Those against reservation should be booked for sedition: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has called for sedition charges to be filed against individuals protesting against the caste-based reservation system, labeling such opposition as anti-constitutional. The statement follows unauthorized protests at Jantar Mantar where demonstrators demanded that economic criteria replace caste as the basis for government support.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the intense political polarization surrounding India's affirmative action policies and raises significant questions regarding the legal boundaries of free speech versus constitutional protection.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has demanded that sedition charges be invoked against those opposing or seeking abolition of reservation, which he called a constitutional right.
In a statement issued on Sunday (August 23, 2026), Mr. Athawale said protests against quota, including those at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, had brought the issue back into focus. He claimed that campaigns were also running on social media, calling for the removal or changes to the quota system.
“Opposition to reservation is opposition to the Constitution. Those taking an anti-reservation stand are anti-constitutional and stringent action of sedition should be taken against them,” the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief said.
Some people were demanding the abolition of reservation, he said, asserting that reservation cannot be abolished as it is a constitutional right.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in