UGC Controversy: Nitish Kumar’s Party States Stand, Union Minister Nityanand Rai Avoids Questions, Raises Slogans Instead

Patna, Bihar: The new UGC (University Grants Commission) Regulations 2026 have sparked political uproar across India, including Bihar. While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s party, JD(U), has clarified its position, Union State Minister Nityanand Rai appeared to dodge questions on the matter, responding with religious slogans rather than addressing the controversy.

JD(U) Emphasizes Constitution and Judiciary
In the midst of growing unrest among upper-caste communities, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar made the party’s position clear. “Neglecting any section of society is not in the spirit of democracy. The Supreme Court’s decision will be final in this matter,” he said. Neeraj Kumar stressed that every citizen has the right to express their opinion under Dr. Ambedkar’s Constitution and hailed CM Nitish Kumar as a role model for combining justice with development.

Union Minister Deflects Questions
During a public event at Konhara Ghat in Hajipur, journalists pressed Union Minister Nityanand Rai on the UGC regulations and the protests by upper-caste groups. Instead of responding, Rai repeatedly raised religious slogans, including “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Vishnu,” to avoid giving answers.

Supreme Court Petition Challenges UGC Law
The 2026 UGC regulations have been challenged in the Supreme Court for being “non-inclusive.” Critics argue that the new definitions of caste discrimination, while including OBC categories, may leave the general category vulnerable due to removal of penalties for false complaints. The petition demands that the regulations be made caste-neutral.

Education Minister Assures Fair Implementation
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan intervened, assuring that no individual will face harassment or discrimination under the new rules. “There will be no bias, and these regulations will not be misused in the name of discrimination. Whether it is the UGC, the central government, or state governments, their actions must remain within the Constitution of India,” he stated.