Suspended Bareilly magistrate floats political party

Agra: Suspended Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who resigned from his post in protest against the new UGC Bill, announced formation of a new political party on Saturday under the banner of ‘Sanatani Sanskriti', which, according to him, is going to be a platform to represent upper-caste communities and followers of Sanatan culture.Agnihotri, who was on a visit to Mathura, said, "The idea came during a ‘darshan' at the Shri Banke Bihari temple. It was on this sacred land that the thought of giving Sanatanis a political alternative came to my mind. The govt is trying to destroy ancient culture through projects like the Shri Banke Bihari corridor. Protection of temples is a collective responsibility..."He also declared his intention to contest elections in future and explore alliances with other parties, if needed. After attending a programme of Rashtriya Brahmin Seva Sangh, Agnihotri said, "There is no political platform genuinely listening to concerns of the upper castes and Sanatan followers. Our community has no political option. We will provide that."Raising concerns over UGC's new rules, Agnihotri asked, "Will we send our children to an education system where exploitation happens in the name of justice?"On Jan 29, the Supreme Court ordered that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, be kept in abeyance. The SC bench was hearing three writ petitions which challenged constitutionality of the 2026 Regulations. The court issued notice to the Union and the UGC on the petitions, returnable on March 19.