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Yogi Adityanath’s Democratic Response - The UPPSC Protest and the Power of Dialogue

The true test of a democratic government is not how it behaves when people agree with it, but how it responds when citizens dissent. Elections undoubtedly provide governments with legitimacy, but that legitimacy is sustained only when the state remains accessible, responsive, and willing to engage with public concerns throughout its tenure. The handling of the UPPSC protest by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offers an instructive example of this principle. The students’ agitation over the proposed multi-shift examination had the potential to become a prolonged confrontation. Instead of allowing mistrust to deepen, the government entered the conversation within a few days. Political intervention followed, discussions took place, and the students’ principal demand was eventually accepted. Whether one views the final decision as politically prudent or administratively necessary,  the process itself carried democratic significance . It acknowledged tha...
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Promotion of Equity in Higher Education, or not ?

The UGC “Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026” seeks to eliminate discrimination, promote inclusion, and safeguard disadvantaged groups. While the objective is legitimate and constitutionally aligned, several provisions raise substantive conceptual, administrative, and constitutional concerns. Risk of Deepening Caste Consciousness on Campus The regulations institutionalise caste and identity categories at multiple levels creations like Equity Committees, Squads, Ambassadors, continuous monitoring ( creating panopticon structure) , and reporting structures. Such structural embedding of caste categories into daily administrative functioning may -  Unintentionally reinforce caste identities Create a persistent atmosphere of categorisation Increase the salience of caste in interpersonal relationships Disincentive natural social integration. Reservation is generally accepted because it is targeted, and corrective, aiming at equality of opportunity. Howe...
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The Road Not Taken: Rajaji’s Blueprint vs. Nehru’s Socialism

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The  article  aims to discuss how C. Rajagopalachari’s liberal blueprint for economic development suited more for the country than the socialist policies of Nehru and Indira Gandhi between 1950-1980. Both Nehru-Indira Gandhi led governments laid emphasis on state controlled economic model with major features like Central Planning, Bank Nationalisation, Industrial Control through pro-socialist laws and regulations. C Rajagopalachari and his party which he formed later on, Swatantra Party mandated free economy, liberal economic model with less or minimal government intervention. We had an economic growth of  3 . 5 percent from 1950-1980  by following the Nehru-Indira Economic Model. Had India followed the path of Swatantra Party/C Rajagopalachari, India would have emerged as a nation with faster economic growth, less poverty as well as a prominent economic power like other East Asian Countries.  Nehru ’s and Indira’s  Socialist  Model : Let’s   firs...
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The Violation of Natural Justice

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The unfolding of events   The recent controversy surrounding the removal of caste-related signboards in western Uttar Pradesh raises important questions about the principles of equality before law, natural justice, and cultural rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The issue stems from the historical appropriation of Rajput icons, particularly King Mihir Bhoj Pratihara, by sections of the Gujjar community. While Rajputs have long maintained that their kings were above caste boundaries and should be regarded as pan Hindu figures, a counter narrative has recently emerged, in which Gujjar organisations have sought to claim these icons as part of their own lineage. To assert these claims, the Gujjar community has installed signboards and markers in several places, identifying Mihir Bhoj and other historical figures, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, as Gujjar rulers. In response, Rajputs have also erected boards highlighting the Rajput identity of these kings, emphasising their positi...
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