J.P. Nadda Meets Anti-Quota Protesters Amid Split in Reservation Hatao Andolan
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda met on Thursday with a delegation of protesters who took part in the August 21 Reservation Hatao Andolan demonstration previously held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The group advocates replacing caste-based reservation with income-based quotas.
The delegation was led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey, who stated that Mr. Nadda hosted them at his residence on both Wednesday and Thursday. Following the talks, Mr. Nadda stated that cordial discussions took place under a pre-determined schedule and mentioned plans to meet anti-reservation activists again soon. Mr. Dubey described the interaction as a positive initiative for the welfare of society.
However, the meeting highlighted growing divisions within the Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA). Key RHA leaders, including Ajeet Bharti, Anuradha Tiwari, and Neha Das, distanced themselves from Mr. Dubey, labeling him a government plant attempting to divert attention from their original charter. Mr. Dubey had earlier shared a platform in Lucknow with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on August 22.
Ms. Tiwari said the movement was not represented by any single individual and maintained that demonstrations would continue until their demands are met. Mr. Bharti, who was recently booked under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, also accused Mr. Dubey of diluting the agitation's core objectives.
The broader RHA platform has called for phasing out caste-based reservations, reviewing the SC/ST Act, establishing a National Commission for the General Category, and rolling back the University Grants Commission's 2026 caste-equity rules. In contrast, the memorandum submitted by Mr. Dubey during Thursday's meeting excluded demands for reviewing the Prevention of Atrocities Act and omitted the proposal for a general category commission.
Addressing criticism over the factional split, Mr. Dubey defended his outreach to political leaders, stating that the movement should engage with the government where discussions can be initiated. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Delhi Aam Aadmi Party president Saurabh Bharadwaj, called on Mr. Nadda to clarify the Union government's stance regarding the demands raised by the protesters.
