"आरक्षण ही खैरात नाही, घटनात्मक अधिकार"; चिराग पासवान यांचा आरक्षण...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 24 August 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan issued a strong statement defending caste-based reservation, asserting that it is a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed to backward and marginalized communities, not a charity extended by anyone. Speaking to reporters in response to recent anti-quota protests in New Delhi, the Union Minister firmly rejected calls to review or abolish the affirmative action framework.

Paswan emphasized that the vision of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was to bring historically marginalized communities—who suffered systemic exclusion and untouchability—into the social and economic mainstream. He reiterated that no power on earth can dismantle the constitutional safeguards provided to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward sections of society.

Persistent Social Discrimination and Necessity of Quotas

Highlighting why reservation remains vital in modern India, Paswan pointed out that caste-based prejudice and untouchability still manifest in daily social life. He cited recurring real-world incidents, including Dalit grooms being barred from wedding processions, Dalit leaders facing discrimination, and instances where public spaces or temples are subjected to symbolic purification after visits by individuals from marginalized backgrounds.

According to Paswan, these realities demonstrate that social inequality is far from eliminated, making affirmative action essential for preserving social justice. He also voiced his opposition to sub-classification and the application of a "creamy layer" within SC and ST categories, warning that dividing marginalized groups would weaken their collective advocacy.

Government Stance and Dialogue Approach

Reaffirming his political pledge, Paswan stated that as long as he, the son of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, remains part of the Union Government, any attempt to undermine or scrap the reservation system will be firmly resisted. He underscored that while the government remains open to structured dialogue with citizens presenting systematic administrative concerns, the core principles of constitutional reservation remain non-negotiable.

He also noted that affirmative action has expanded under current legislative frameworks, including provisions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), ensuring broad-based support across different economic strata while safeguarding existing constitutional protections.