UGC’s New Equity Rules Spark Campus Unrest, Draw Fire from BJP Leaders and Opposition Alike

By Tajdar H Zaidi

Lucknow: The University Grants Commission’s newly introduced “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026” has ignited a wave of protests and sharp political reactions, with discontent now surfacing even within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Originally framed to curb discrimination on university campuses, the guidelines have triggered strong opposition among general category and upper caste students, who allege the provisions are skewed and could result in what they describe as “reverse discrimination.”

The controversy has widened rapidly, drawing in student groups, faculty members, BJP leaders, and Opposition parties.

At the centre of the protest is the proposal to establish Equity Committees in educational institutions.

These bodies, to be formed by institutional heads, are meant to address complaints of discrimination.

However, critics argue that the committees will largely comprise representatives from reserved categories, leaving little room for balanced representation.

Students opposing the move claim the rules lack clear safeguards against false or motivated complaints.

Many fear that instead of fostering harmony, the regulations could create an atmosphere of constant monitoring and mistrust on campuses.

As anger escalates, several BJP leaders have publicly warned that the decision could alienate the party’s traditional support base among upper caste communities.

A senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh expressed strong concern, saying the government had already introduced multiple policies perceived as unfavourable to the Savarna community.

“Now this will affect our children and their future.

At a time when the reservation system itself is being debated across the country, bringing such regulations is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” the leader said, cautioning that the move could have serious political consequences.

The Rajput outfit Karni Sena has also condemned the UGC’s framework, accusing the government of targeting and suppressing the upper caste population.

The organization has threatened statewide protests if the regulations are not withdrawn.

BJP Leaders Resign in Protest

The internal backlash within the BJP became more visible after some local leaders stepped down from party positions.

Shyam Sundar Tripathi, district president of the BJP’s Kisan Morcha in Salon, Rae Bareli, resigned from his post and wrote directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While maintaining his primary membership in the party, Tripathi described the UGC rules as “black laws” aimed against children of the upper caste community.

“For years, welfare schemes have been introduced for SC, ST and other sections, and we remained silent.

But now the future of our children is at stake. These regulations are discriminatory and unjust,” Tripathi said, warning that failure to roll them back could cost the party dearly.

Senior Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council member Devendra Pratap Singh also voiced serious reservations.

In a letter to the UGC dated January 22, Singh cautioned that the new framework could disrupt social harmony and intensify caste-based tensions nationwide.

He emphasized that while ensuring equity is essential, it should not come at the cost of social balance.

“This decision will fracture harmony, deepen divisions, and destroy the learning environment in higher education institutions.

The possibility of misuse is extremely high,” Singh wrote, urging the commission to reconsider the regulations.

Media reports also suggested that BJP leader Mrigendra Upadhyay from Balrampur resigned in protest, calling the norms anti-Brahmin and harmful to general category students.

Opposition Slams the Move

The controversy has also provided ammunition to Opposition parties, who accused the government of playing divisive politics in the name of social justice.

Congress general secretary Jitendra Singh Alwar criticised the guidelines, saying discrimination of any form has no place in educational spaces, but warned that the new regulations could pit students against one another.

“The so-called equity regulations appear designed to divide campuses and turn students into rivals instead of learners,” he posted on social media, alleging that the Centre was targeting institutions and misleading young people.

Former Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu went further, claiming the government was attempting to rebuild its political support after setbacks in recent elections.

“The Modi government believes these rules will project it as a champion of social justice and help regain the trust of SC, ST and OBC communities.

After its heavy losses in Uttar Pradesh, this is being seen as a political masterstroke,” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also joined the chorus of criticism, raising objections to what she described as a potentially polarising policy.

Growing Tensions on Campuses

With protests brewing among student groups and political reactions intensifying, the UGC’s equity regulations have rapidly transformed from an administrative reform into a major social and political flashpoint.

While the commission maintains that the guidelines aim to ensure fairness and inclusion, critics argue the framework, in its current form, risks deepening divisions rather than resolving discrimination.

As pressure mounts from within the ruling party and across the Opposition, all eyes are now on whether the Centre and the UGC will reconsider or amend the controversial regulations.

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