BJP caught in classic catch-22 over UGC caste equity rules

The ruling BJP appears to be caught in a classic catch-22 over the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) newly notified caste equity rules, aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination on campuses and making anti-discrimination mechanisms enforceable.

- VIBHA SHARMA

Framed with the stated intent of promoting equity and providing redressal for marginalised communities, the rules have drawn strong opposition, particularly from upper-caste groups — ‘savarna jatis’ as they are called in Hindi heartland — constituting the core and original support base of the saffron party.

Protests have been reported from across India, including Uttar Pradesh, along with resignations, criticism, and threats from saffron cadres. Even hardcore supporters are calling it a “betrayal,” bringing back the memories of tensions at the time of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018, which forced the government to introduce the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota.