The Supreme Court's decision to stay the implementation of the new UGC 'Promotion of Equity Regulations 2026' has triggered a significant political confrontation in Bihar, with opposition parties expressing strong disapproval while ruling coalition leaders have welcomed the judicial intervention.
Protests Continue Amid Political Polarization
For the second consecutive day on Thursday, protests against the controversial regulations continued in Patna, reflecting the deep divisions the issue has created in Bihar's political landscape. The Supreme Court's stay order has become a flashpoint for political parties to articulate their positions on social justice and educational equity.
Opposition Parties Voice Displeasure
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been particularly vocal in its criticism of both the regulations and the political motivations behind them. In a pointed social media post, the RJD reposted a Bihar Police announcement about the Supreme Court's order with the sarcastic comment: "This is the Twitter account of the 'prompt and impartial' Bihar Police!"
RJD Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha offered a more philosophical critique on X, stating: "History reminds us that 'judicial neutrality' is often a myth; what matters is which 'status quo' the law chooses to protect. Jai Hind." His comment represents a broader skepticism about judicial interventions in politically charged matters.
RJD spokesperson Sarika Paswan was more direct in her assessment, accusing the BJP government of political opportunism. "We knew this was a jumla, crafted with an eye on the Uttar Pradesh and Bengal elections," she asserted, suggesting the regulations were designed more for electoral advantage than genuine social reform.
NDA Leaders Welcome Judicial Intervention
In contrast to the opposition's criticism, leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have largely welcomed the Supreme Court's stay order. BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel launched a counterattack against opposition parties, accusing them of exploiting marginalized communities for political gain.
"For decades, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, Mahadalits and weaker sections were used merely as vote banks," Patel claimed. "Politics was played in their name, but there was no genuine will to change their lives."
BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra offered a more measured response, framing the Supreme Court's intervention as an opportunity for procedural correction. "The government and the UGC will get an opportunity to present their views," he explained. "The education minister has already clarified that no injustice or discrimination will be allowed."
Mixed Reactions Within Government Ranks
The political response has revealed some interesting dynamics within the ruling establishment. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary maintained a neutral position, stating simply: "It is the court's order, and the government will act accordingly."
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, declined to comment when approached at Patna airport, suggesting the sensitivity of the issue even within government circles.
However, his cabinet colleague Giriraj Singh was unequivocal in his support for the Supreme Court's stay, describing the regulations as divisive to Sanatana Dharma. "This decision is significant in safeguarding India's cultural unity and Sanatan values," he told reporters. "The Modi government stands for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and the unbroken unity of Sanatan Dharma." He specifically thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their role in protecting what he termed India's cultural unity.
Broader Political Implications
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti struck a conciliatory note, emphasizing the importance of judicial process. "Going to court ensures all sides are heard," he observed. "Whatever decision the court takes should be acceptable to everyone."
The controversy surrounding the UGC regulations has exposed several fault lines in Bihar's political discourse:
- Social Justice vs. Cultural Unity: The debate pits concerns about educational equity against arguments about preserving cultural and religious values
- Judicial Intervention: Questions about the appropriate role of courts in policy matters have emerged from both sides
- Electoral Calculations: Accusations about political motivations behind the regulations suggest the issue has significant electoral implications
- Coalition Dynamics: The varying responses within the ruling coalition reveal different approaches to handling controversial policy matters
As the legal process continues, the political reactions in Bihar are likely to intensify, with the UGC regulations becoming a proxy for broader debates about social justice, cultural preservation, and the intersection of education and politics in contemporary India.
