Reservation protests: Govt open to talks if demands are systematic, says Chirag Paswan
Union minister Chirag Paswan has said the government is willing to hold talks with protesters opposing caste-based reservation, provided they present their demands in a systematic manner. Speaking to reporters in Patna on Saturday, Paswan said, "Any sort of misunderstanding around reservation can create anger among a large section of the country's population. Once the protesters present their demands systematically, the government will engage in dialogue with them," according to news agency PTI.
The statement comes amid ongoing protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where a large group has gathered under the banner of 'Reservation Hatao Andolan'. The protesters, carrying banners, posters and saffron flags, have been raising slogans against caste-based quotas. They are demanding that economic criteria take precedence over caste when determining eligibility for government support and reservation in education and jobs.
Responding to the demand for income-based quotas, Paswan pointed to the existing 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under the NDA government. He emphasised that this provision already addresses some concerns related to economic backwardness.
Paswan also criticised the Congress over its protest outside the Parliament Street police station, accusing the party of trying to divert attention from the Vande Mataram controversy. He said that while protests are constitutionally permitted, the Congress was using one issue to shift focus from another. The remarks referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's dharna seeking an FIR over pellet injuries allegedly suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab during protests led by the Community against Police Brutality (CJP).
Separately, when asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav backing the students' protest in Patna, Paswan said the move was "a good thing" and consistent with his responsibility as Bihar's Leader of Opposition.
On Friday, a large crowd had gathered at Jantar Mantar under the 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' banner, demanding an overhaul of the caste-based reservation system. The protesters called for quotas in education and government jobs to be based on income rather than caste, and also sought a "one family, one reservation" policy. According to reports, more than 50 protesters were detained amid heavy security.
The group has planned another protest for Sunday at Shah Auditorium against the reservation system and the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Equity Regulations, 2026. However, Delhi Police has said no permission has been granted for the gathering, and prohibitory orders banning demonstrations and assemblies of five or more people are already in force in the North District.
