New Delhi, Aug 2026: A day after an anti-reservation demonstration was held at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav strongly defended the reservation system, asserting that it is a constitutional right and cannot be abolished.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Athawale said no individual or organisation had the authority to end reservation, which he described as an important constitutional provision aimed at ensuring social justice for historically disadvantaged communities.
“I believe that no one has the right to abolish reservation. It is a Constitutional right,” Athawale said.
The Union Minister recalled the contribution of Dr B.R. Ambedkar in incorporating provisions related to reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Constitution. He also noted that reservations for Other Backward Classes were introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh.
Athawale further pointed out that the Narendra Modi government subsequently introduced a 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). He said several communities currently benefit from reservation provisions under different categories.
“Today, various communities receive reservation. Therefore, no one has the right to abolish it,” Athawale said. He also criticised those demanding an end to reservation, saying such efforts were against the interests of the country and calling for action against those advocating its abolition.
Akhilesh Yadav also came out strongly in support of the reservation system. In a post on social media platform X, the SP chief declared: “Reservation was, is and will remain.”
Yadav alleged that attempts were being made to weaken or end reservation under the guise of “reservation reform”. He described such efforts as another alleged conspiracy against what the Samajwadi Party refers to as the PDA — Pichhda (Backward Classes), Dalit and Alpsankhyak (Minorities) sections of society.
“Reservation is the right of PDA, not the subject of anyone’s whim,” Yadav said.
The SP chief further accused the BJP-led NDA of repeatedly attempting to undermine reservation through different arguments. He alleged that references to “review”, “reform”, the “creamy layer” or suggestions that beneficiaries should voluntarily give up reservation were different approaches aimed at weakening the rights of disadvantaged communities.
The remarks from the two leaders came a day after an anti-reservation demonstration at Jantar Mantar attracted a significant number of participants. Several protesters were reportedly detained by Delhi Police during the demonstration.
Security arrangements were also strengthened around the protest venue in view of the large gathering. Police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation during the demonstration.
The issue of reservation has remained politically and socially sensitive in India, with political parties frequently debating its scope, implementation and possible reforms. While supporters argue that reservation remains necessary to address historical social and educational disadvantages, critics have periodically called for changes to the system.
Against this backdrop, the latest statements by Athawale and Yadav underline the continuing political importance of reservation, with both leaders making clear that they oppose any move to abolish or substantially dilute the constitutional framework governing affirmative action.
