Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 14: Maharashtra is witnessing fresh caste tensions as the Banjara community intensifies its demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, citing the historic Hyderabad Gazette. The movement follows recent clashes over Maratha and OBC reservations and has already sparked protests, suicides, and political fault lines.

On Saturday, a 32-year-old Banjara graduate from Umarga in Dharashiv died by suicide, leaving a note urging the state to grant ST status. Two other youths, Shrikant and Harish Rathod, remain on an indefinite hunger strike outside the Jalna collector’s office. Large community morchas are planned in Jalna and Beed on September 15.

Banjara leaders argue that the Hyderabad Gazette—used by the state to issue Kunbi certificates to Marathas—also lists Banjaras as ST, and therefore they deserve the same reservation benefits. “The community is homogenous across India,” said Minister of State Indraneel Naik, backing the demand.

However, ST leaders are fiercely opposed, fearing erosion of their quota. Shiv Sena MLA Amshya Padavi warned, “How do I remain silent when someone is looking to intrude on my quota? If needed, I will exit the government.” Congress leader Padmakar Valvi pointed out that Banjaras already receive 3% reservation under the Vimukta Jati/nomadic tribes category.

The issue has also rattled the OBC community, which plans a major morcha in Nagpur on October 10 against the government’s move to give Kunbi certificates to Marathas. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the GR “makes the motive of this government clear, which is to harm OBC interests.”

With suicides reported among both Banjara and OBC members, the reservation debate has escalated into a volatile statewide confrontation, placing intense pressure on the Mahayuti government.