Uproar in assembly over UGC equity rules

Patna: Members of the ruling and opposition parties created uproar in the legislative assembly after CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Sourav demanded that the state govt should implement the UGC equity guidelines in Bihar.Raising the demand during the adjournment motion moved in the legislative assembly during the Question Hour, Paliganj MLA Sandeep said those with ‘Brahminvadi’ mindset opposed the UGC guidelines. That triggered an uproar. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha accused the opposition of acting against B R Ambedkar’s concept of a casteless society. Sinha said he was himself a victim of caste-based ragging as a student in Muzaffarpur college and was forced to leave the hostel.Speaker Prem Kumar immediately ordered the removal of the word ‘Brahmin’ from the proceedings.The CPI(ML) MLA said caste-based discrimination is prevalent in higher educational institutions and, therefore, the new UGC rules should be implemented in Bihar. He said those with a ‘Brahminical’ mindset opposed it and the Supreme Court withdrew it.“How long will students like Rohit Vemula continue to die in the country? Between 2019 and 2024, there has been a 118% increase in caste-related disputes in higher educational institutions,” Sandeep said.The ruling party MLAs objected to his comments on Brahminism in the House. Sinha said, “If you respect the Constitution and constitutional institutions, such language is inappropriate... Any death is a loss for the entire country and state. I respect every community. But poison is being spread against society which is weakening the country.”RJD MLA Alok Mehta said the CPI(ML) MLA’s comments were not about a particular caste but Brahminical mentality.BJP MLA Mithlesh Tiwari said the people sitting in the opposition have a problem with Brahmins. “They do not understand Brahminism,” he said.