Kalmana’s nomadic tribes protest against political neglect, refusing entry to candidates until demands for caste certificates are met
Team Clarion
NAGPUR — In a show of frustration and neglect, the nomadic tribes of Nagpur’s Kalmana area have put up banners in their settlement, declaring their decision to boycott the upcoming assembly elections. These banners, emblazoned with the plea, “Please don’t let any candidate of any party come to our town to ask for votes,” are a clear sign of the growing disenchantment felt by this community, which has been struggling for decades to be included in the backward caste category.
The banners, similar to those seen recently in the Halba Samaj community, are an attempt by the nomadic tribes to draw attention to their long-standing grievances. Despite living on land provided by the state government 40 years ago, the residents remain without caste certificates, depriving them of access to essential government schemes and welfare programmes.
“We are Indians, we belong to the nomadic tribe. We have no land and no evidence of it,” reads one banner. The pain is palpable as it continues: “Our forefathers didn’t get an education, so the caste record couldn’t be registered. Our children are now grown up and learning, but they cannot benefit from government schemes because we don’t have a caste certificate.”
The community has been tirelessly lobbying local authorities for years. They have approached the collector, sub-divisional officer, tehsildar, and various political representatives, yet their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. “We often meet officials and political leaders, but nothing has come of it. We just want our caste to be recognised, and certificates to be issued accordingly,” said one resident.
Ahead of the state assembly elections, the banners are seen as a direct challenge to political representatives who often visit these areas seeking votes but fail to address the real concerns of the people. “Every election season, candidates come to ask for our votes, but this time we won’t let anyone come until our demands are met,” said another community member.
Despite multiple announcements by the state government to promote social equality and the establishment of several corporations aimed at providing support to marginalised communities, the nomadic tribes of Kalmana have seen no progress in their situation. Although hundreds of government resolutions (GRs) have been issued to attract different castes and communities, the issues faced by the Pangol community in Kalmana remain unresolved.
As elections loom, the protest by this community serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalised groups in India. Their plea is simple: recognition, inclusion, and access to opportunities through government support.
For now, the message to political candidates is clear: unless their demands for caste certificates and inclusion are addressed, they are not welcome in Kalmana.
