Jaipur: The agitation by Shri Rajput Karni Sena against the UGC's regulations regarding 'Equality Committee' has created political uproar following a police lathi charge during its protest march in Jaipur early this week—demanding the withdrawal of these rules—and the alleged death of a participating youth.
The UGC Rollback agitation by Rajput Karni Sena was launched with a 600-kilometer-long 'Savarna Nyay Pad Yatra' from Deshnok (Bikaner). The Yatra reached Jaipur three days ago; amidst the fierce protests and police action, a protester named Devraj Singh allegedly died.
Following this incident and the lathi charge, the Rajput Karni Sena issued a seven-day ultimatum for a 'Jaipur Bandh' (shutdown) and a protest at the Chief Minister's residence.
The protesting organizations have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the UGC's Equality Committee regulations and are seeking impartial investigations into alleged cases of caste discrimination on campuses, equal legal action against those filing false complaints, and clear guidelines to safeguard the rights of general category students in higher educational institutions.
According to the Karni Sena and other upper-caste groups, the new UGC framework is discriminatory and could lead to unnecessary social tensions on campuses.
Arguing that stringent legal provisions, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, already exist to deal with caste-based discrimination and anti-ragging mechanisms are also in place in educational institutions, the introduction of additional regulations would increase the possibility of false complaints and misuse.
Shri Rajput Karni Sena National President Mahipal Singh Makrana said the organization would intensify its campaign if the UGC does not withdraw the regulations.
“Our strategy is clear. The movement began in Rajasthan; the next phase will be in Delhi, and thereafter we will take it to other states. The agitation will continue until the UGC rolls back these regulations,” Makrana said.
Significantly, this agitation has taken place at a time when elections for panchayats and local bodies are due in Rajasthan. Upper castes constitute a substantial vote bank in the state and are considered the traditional support base of the ruling BJP.
Following the lathi charge on protesters in Jaipur, several upper-caste organisations have expressed their resentment. Rajput groups have launched a social media campaign in protest, which is likely to trouble the BJP in the upcoming panchayati raj and urban local body elections.
This is precisely why the ruling BJP immediately took charge of the situation regarding the lathi charge—during which a young man allegedly died—and held talks with the Karni Sena.
The party assured the deceased's family of financial assistance in accordance with the rules, a contractual government job for one family member, and an inquiry into the lathi-charge incident.
Also Watch:
Makrana said that the threat of agitation and the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Karni Sena remain in effect, as not all demands have been met yet. The government still has five days to fulfill these demands.
Meanwhile, addressing the question of the Karni Sena opposing the BJP in the panchayat and local body elections, the party president, Madan Rathore, said, “ Where else will they go? We are all on the same side. We have stood shoulder to shoulder with them. The Karni Sena has placed three demands before the government, and these are being considered with sensitivity. Any demand found to be justifiable will be addressed.
