India, Sept. 16 -- The Banjara community intensified its campaign for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status on Monday by holding two rallies, in Beed and Jalna, with thousands of people in attendance. This was the first time the community's members had gathered in such large numbers to support their cause.

With local body elections due soon, several politicians from across the political spectrum also endorsed the community's demand and participated in the protests. Former minister and NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, who had already extended his support to the Banjaras, demanded that the state government form a committee to give the community ST status.

The Banjara community has been demanding inclusion in the ST category after the Maharashtra governmen...