Tue Dec 30 14:27:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Thousands of members from the Koli, Kabbaliga, Ambiga, Besta, and Barik communities protested in Kalaburagi, India, on Monday, December 30, 2025, demanding Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. The protest, which saw significant participation, disrupted traffic and featured speeches from community leaders criticizing government inaction and urging for a renewed proposal to the central government. The protesters voiced frustrations over decades of denied benefits and urged local political intervention.

News Article:

Koli Kabbaliga Community Stages Mass Protest in Kalaburagi Demanding Scheduled Tribe Status

KALABURAGI, INDIA – December 30, 2025 – Thousands of members of the Koli, Kabbaliga, Ambiga, Besta, and Barik communities took to the streets of Kalaburagi on Monday, December 30, 2025, to demand their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The demonstration, which organizers estimate drew approximately 3,000 participants, caused significant traffic disruptions and highlighted the community’s long-standing grievance.

The protest began at Jagat Circle, following tributes to B.R. Ambedkar and Basaveshwara led by Sri Shanta Bheeshma Chowdaiah Swamy. Protesters marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chanting slogans and carrying flags depicting Nijasharana Ambigara Chowdaiah.

MLC Talawar Sabbanna addressed the gathering, stating that the communities have been seeking ST status since 1996, with multiple proposals rejected by the central government. He called on the state government to submit a revised proposal with comprehensive documentation.

Community leader Shivakumar Natekar emphasized that the protest was not politically motivated but aimed at securing Constitutional rights denied for nearly three decades. He criticized the current Congress government for their alleged inaction. Natekar specifically urged Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge to intervene.

Several protesters alleged that some community leaders attempted to sabotage the protest by dissuading participation from the outskirts of the city. Other speakers at the rally included MLC N. Ravi Kumar, Sharanappa Talawar, and Shobha Bani. The protest underscores the continued struggle of these communities for recognition and access to the benefits associated with Scheduled Tribe status.

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