In a significant political development, the Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army have announced a joint protest in Bhopal against the Supreme Court's stay on the University Grants Commission (UGC) equity guidelines. This move highlights growing tensions over educational policies affecting marginalized communities in India.
Protest Plans and Political Allegations
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal on Monday, Damodar Yadav Mandal, a national core committee member of the Azad Samaj Party, revealed that the protest will involve a 'gherao' of the chief minister's official residence. Mandal emphasized that this action is a direct response to the judicial stay on the UGC Act, which the parties argue undermines equity in higher education.
Leadership and Criticism of Opposition
Mandal pointed out that Chandrashekhar Azad, the national president of the Azad Samaj Party and chief of the Bhim Army, is the sole Member of Parliament who has vocally raised the UGC Act issue and committed to street protests. In a sharp critique, Mandal accused the Congress party of failing to support the cause, labeling it as the "BJP's B team" in this context. He asserted that the UGC controversy has served as a litmus test, allowing the OBC community to identify genuine allies and adversaries in the political arena.
Support for UGC Rule Changes and Mobilization Efforts
Yadav confirmed that both the Azad Samaj Party and the Bhim Army organization are staunchly in favor of the rule changes implemented in the UGC regarding this matter. To ensure the success of the movement, Mandal announced that a large contingent of workers from across the state will converge in Bhopal. This mobilization underscores the grassroots support and the urgency felt by these groups in challenging the stay on the equity guidelines.
The protest is poised to draw attention to broader issues of social justice and educational access in India, with potential implications for future policy debates and political alignments.
