National: BJP faces dilemma over UGC equity rules

On Thursday, the Union government announced it will revisit the University Grants Commission’s <b>2026 equity regulations</b>, prompting a fresh debate as the ruling <b>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</b> faces a political quandary. SC, ST and OBC groups back the stringent safeguards against caste‑based discrimination, while upper‑caste voters—BJP’s core base—have voiced concerns over possible misuse, especially ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls where caste dynamics dominate. Analysts warn the BJP must balance affirmative‑action support with upper‑caste assurances to avoid alienating either bloc, a misstep that could cost it crucial seats in the upcoming state and national elections.