Karnataka's Banjara Community Rises in Unison Against Divisive Internal Quota Report

A groundswell of discontent is sweeping across Karnataka as the Banjara community gears up for a colossal protest, vehemently opposing the Nagamohan Das Commission's report on internal reservation within Scheduled Castes. On March 20, Bengaluru is set to witness a massive padayatra (foot march) and a public meeting, a powerful demonstration of the community's deep-seated fears and demands for justice.

The heart of the controversy lies in the Nagamohan Das Commission's recommendation for internal reservation among the various Scheduled Caste sub-groups.

For the Banjara community, this report is not just a policy proposal; it's a direct threat to their hard-won reservation rights and a catalyst for fragmentation within the broader SC category. Leaders and members alike assert that the report is fundamentally unscientific and, if implemented, will inevitably lead to grave injustice, effectively diminishing their rightful share in educational and employment opportunities.

The planned protest is more than just a march; it's a collective roar of defiance.

Thousands from across the state are expected to converge in Bengaluru, making their voices heard in an unequivocal demand for the immediate scrapping of the controversial report. The community firmly believes that the recommendations are designed to create divisions and erode the unity that has been painstakingly built over decades among Scheduled Castes.

Orchestrating this significant mobilization is the Akhila Bharatha Banjara Seva Sangha, alongside a coalition of other dedicated Banjara organizations.

Their message is clear: the government must prioritize the welfare and constitutional rights of all its citizens, and in this instance, that means rejecting a report deemed detrimental to the Banjara community's future. They are appealing to the state government to recognize the potential for social unrest and to intervene decisively to protect their interests.

The community's leaders have consistently articulated that the proposed internal quota system, rather than fostering equity, will exacerbate existing inequalities and sow seeds of discord.

They are urging all members of the Banjara community, along with other allied SC sub-castes who share similar apprehensions, to participate actively in the protest. This collective action aims to send an undeniable message to the authorities: the unity and rights of the Scheduled Casta community must not be compromised by divisive policies.

As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, marking a critical juncture in Karnataka's social justice discourse.

The Banjara community stands united, determined to safeguard its future and ensure that the principles of fairness and equity remain paramount in the state's reservation policies.