Archive · 22 Aug 2026
UP Deputy CM Offers Talks Over Caste Reservation Demands
Some students protested against India’s current caste-based reservation system.
They gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on August 21.
The police had said permission for the planned protest was not granted.
Security forces were placed at the site because many people gathered there.
The next day, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met some student representatives in Lucknow.
He said their concerns had been sent to the Central leadership.
He also promised to help arrange a meeting with a Union Minister within two days.
The protesters want the reservation policy to be changed or reviewed.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met student representatives in Lucknow on August 22.
The delegation had protested against caste-based reservation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on August 21.
Pathak said the students’ letter had been submitted to the Central leadership for serious consideration.
He said a meeting with a Union Minister would be arranged within two days and that he would accompany the students.
Protesters sought changes and a comprehensive review of the existing reservation system, while police and central forces maintained security at Jantar Mantar.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, student representatives led by Harsh Dubey, and protesters involved in the reservation reform movement.
- What
- Students protested against caste-based reservation and demanded changes and a comprehensive review; Pathak said their demands would be presented to the Central leadership.
- When
- The protest took place on August 21, and Pathak met the student delegation on August 22.
- Where
- The protest was held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi; Pathak met the delegation in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The protesters sought changes to the existing caste-based reservation system.
Reservation Reform Protesters
Government Representatives
Reservation policy
Reservation Reform Protesters
The protesters opposed the existing caste-based reservation system and called for changes and a comprehensive review.
Government Representatives
The government did not announce a policy change, but said the students’ demands would be presented to the Central leadership for serious consideration.
Direct engagement
Reservation Reform Protesters
The student delegation wanted to present its concerns directly to the Central leadership, and the protest campaign said a central minister would personally hold talks with activists.
Government Representatives
Brajesh Pathak promised to arrange a meeting with a Union Minister within two days and said he would accompany the students.
Protest authorization
Reservation Reform Protesters
Protesters gathered at the designated Jantar Mantar site despite the reported lack of official permission.
Government Representatives
Delhi Police said permission had not been granted and deployed police and central security forces as a precaution to maintain law and order.
- Protest date
- August 21
- Delegation meeting
- August 22 in Lucknow
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Main demand
- Changes and a comprehensive review of the existing caste-based reservation system
- Government representative
- Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak
- Promised next step
- A meeting between the students and a Union Minister within two days
- Police position
- Delhi Police said permission for the planned gathering had not been granted
