Supreme Court Stay on UGC Rules Delivers Major Setback to RJD in Bihar Politics

Patna: The Supreme Court’s stay on the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations has delivered a significant political blow to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), dampening the party’s hopes of reviving backward-class politics in Bihar. For decades, backward-class politics shaped the state’s political landscape, with leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar using it as a tool for social justice and electoral dominance. With RJD now out of power, the new UGC rules had offered the party a chance to regain momentum—until the apex court intervened.

Backward Politics vs. Social Justice

Backward-class politics in Bihar traces its roots to reservation policies introduced by Karpuri Thakur, reaching its zenith under Lalu Prasad Yadav in the name of social justice. During Lalu’s tenure, the RJD successfully consolidated the backward-class vote, achieving prolonged political dominance. However, when the political alliance between Lalu and Nitish Kumar fractured, backward-class politics split into two camps: one dominated by Yadavs under RJD, and the other led by Kurmis and Kushwahas aligned with Nitish Kumar and the BJP. This division paved the way for the rise of the NDA in Bihar.

UGC Rules Ignite Political Debate

The UGC had introduced new rules aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. The regulations mandated the creation of Equity Committees in all universities, specifying representation for reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) to ensure fair treatment and opportunities. The rules sparked renewed debates in society along forward-backward lines.

RJD, perceiving an opportunity to revive backward-class mobilization, emerged as the vocal advocate of the community, while BJP and NDA allies, along with Congress strategists, largely remained silent. This momentary political vacuum allowed RJD leaders to take to the streets, presenting themselves as the foremost champions of backward-class politics.

RJD’s Strategy Frustrated by Court Stay

In the wake of electoral setbacks, the RJD had pinned its hopes on the UGC rules to regain political relevance. The party sought to leverage the regulations to energize its traditional voter base, reminiscent of the Mandal era, and counter the gains made by Nitish Kumar’s camp. However, the Supreme Court’s intervention has disrupted these plans, leaving RJD strategists frustrated and the party’s agenda temporarily stalled.

While the NDA continues to maintain a low profile, RJD leaders had hoped to redefine backward-class politics in Bihar and reclaim lost ground. The Supreme Court stay, however, has put a sudden brake on their efforts, denying them the momentum they sought to generate through this policy change.