Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Paswan Offers Government Dialogue as Anti-Reservation Protests Continue
Union minister Chirag Paswan spoke about protests against caste-based reservation.
Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi with banners, posters and saffron flags.
They want people’s economic condition to matter more than caste when deciding who receives reservation.
Paswan said the government will talk with them if they clearly organize and present their demands.
He also said reservation cannot simply be ended because it is a constitutional provision.
He pointed to the existing 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.
Paswan criticized Congress for holding another protest connected to alleged pellet injuries and the Vande Mataram issue.
He said support from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for students protesting in Patna was appropriate.
Protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar opposing caste-based reservation.
They want economic criteria to take precedence over caste for reservation and government support.
Union minister Chirag Paswan said the government would hold talks after protesters present their demands systematically.
Paswan said reservation is a constitutional right and noted the government’s 10% Economically Weaker Sections quota.
He criticized Congress over its protest linked to alleged pellet injuries and the Vande Mataram controversy.
- Who
- Union minister Chirag Paswan, anti-reservation protesters, the government, Congress leaders and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
- What
- Protests against caste-based reservation continued, while Paswan offered dialogue if demonstrators present their demands systematically.
- When
- The protesters gathered in Delhi; Paswan made the reported comments on Saturday and also addressed the issue on Friday.
- Where
- The protest took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi; Paswan spoke to reporters in Patna and at Patna airport.
- Why
- Protesters want economic criteria to take precedence over caste in determining reservation and government support.
Government and reservation defenders
Anti-reservation protesters
Basis for reservation
Government and reservation defenders
Chirag Paswan said reservation supports communities that have faced generations of social discrimination and is a constitutional right. He also cited the existing 10% EWS quota.
Anti-reservation protesters
Protesters want economic circumstances, rather than caste, to be the main basis for reservation and government support.
Next steps
Government and reservation defenders
Paswan said the government would engage in dialogue once the protesters present their demands systematically.
Anti-reservation protesters
The protesters are demonstrating at Jantar Mantar and demanding changes to the reservation system.
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Protesters’ demand
- Economic criteria should take precedence over caste in determining reservation and government support.
- Government response
- The government is ready to engage in dialogue after protesters present their demands systematically.
- Paswan’s position
- He said reservation is a constitutional provision and cannot be ended at anyone’s demand.
- Existing economic quota
- The NDA government has introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.
- Other protest
- Rahul Gandhi held a sit-in seeking an FIR over alleged pellet injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab.