JP Nadda Meets Reservation Hatao Andolan Representatives After August 21 Jantar Mantar Protest

Union Minister J P Nadda on Thursday met representatives of the ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ in New Delhi, days after members of the group gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand changes in the basis for reservation and government support. The campaign has argued that economic criteria should take precedence over caste when determining eligibility for affirmative action. The meeting comes amid renewed discussion over reservation policies and the criteria used to determine access to government benefits.

Nadda said he held a cordial discussion with Harsh Dubey, Ran Bahadur Singh Chauhan and Mrityunjay Pathak, who represented the group. In a post on X, the Union Minister said the meeting was held as scheduled following the movement at Jantar Mantar on August 21. He added that another meeting would be held soon, indicating that discussions between the representatives and the government may continue.

The ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’, which has been promoted through an Instagram-based campaign, had called for the August 21 gathering at Jantar Mantar. Participants demanded that economic circumstances be given greater importance than caste in determining eligibility for reservation and government assistance. The campaign’s position has prompted debate over how affirmative action policies should address economic disadvantage while considering existing constitutional provisions.

Also Read: Reservation Hatao Andolan Says Centre Agrees to Talks, Stir Continues

The August 21 demonstration took place amid a significant security deployment at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police had stated that permission had not been granted for a protest, procession, demonstration or assembly at the venue. Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in the area, and several protesters who gathered at the site were detained, according to the police.

Nadda’s meeting with the representatives marks a direct interaction following the protest and comes as the group continues to press its demands. The Union Minister’s statement did not indicate any immediate policy decision or change in the existing reservation framework. Instead, he indicated that further discussions would take place with the representatives involved in the campaign.

The development is likely to keep the debate over reservation criteria in focus, particularly around the question of whether economic conditions should play a larger role in determining access to affirmative action. For now, the meeting between Nadda and the campaign representatives appears to have opened a channel for further dialogue, with another interaction expected in the near future.

Also Read: Anti-Reservation Protest At Jantar Mantar Ends With Delhi Police Detentions