Shivamogga: The Karnataka State Banjara Student Union held a protest in front of the Shivappa Nayaka statue on June 9.
The student activists alleged that they were being discriminated against by the government and people alike. “More than 40 lakh Banjara people residing in the state face discrimination in every field. We are humiliated, isolated, poverty-stricken, socially boycotted”, claimed a Banjara Student Union member.
They also demanded political representation for the people of the community in the newly formed cabinet in the state by the Congress-Janata Dal (S) coalition government. In the recently held elections for the Legislative Assembly, four representatives of the Banjaras were elected namely, P T Parameshwar Naik (JDS), L B P Bheema Naik (JDS), Umesh G Jadav (Congress) and Devanand Chouhan (JDS).
“None of our representatives have been given a cabinet berth. So we demand representation for us at least in the state boards and university syndicates”, a protester said.
The student activists also threatened to call for a statewide strike if their demands were not fulfilled by the government led by H D Kumaraswamy.
They also submitted a letter addressed to CM Kumaraswamy and Deputy CM Dr. G Parameshwara to the district authorities. The letter was signed by Jaya Naik, Rama Naik, Kiran Naik, Manja Naik, Umamaheshwar Naik, Devaraj Naik among others.
