- Large protests held in Deoria and Kaushambi against new UGC rules
- BJP functionary resigns in Rae Bareli over UGC regulations
- Former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh joins opposition to rules
- Warning of wider agitation if norms are not withdrawn
GG News Bureau
Rae Bareli, 28th Jan: Opposition to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new rules intensified across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with large-scale protests reported in Deoria and Kaushambi, while a BJP office-bearer resigned in Rae Bareli in protest.
Adding to the political pressure, former BJP MP from Gonda, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also came out strongly against the new UGC regulations, describing them as “divisive” and harmful to social harmony.
Addressing the issue, Brij Bhushan said the new UGC rules were “working to divide society” and questioned their broader social impact. “If someone commits a mistake, they should be punished. But laws should not be used to create divisions in society,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the alleged misuse of existing laws, including those related to women and SC/ST communities, arguing that while protection is necessary, misuse should not be allowed to disturb social balance.
“If these rules are not withdrawn immediately, a mass agitation will be launched. Even children from society will be part of this movement,” Brij Bhushan warned.
He further said that Indian society functions at the grassroots level and not from offices. “Go to villages. OBC and Dalit families visit our homes. We live together without discrimination. These new rules will create cracks in society,” he added.
The controversy has also highlighted differences within Brij Bhushan’s own family. His BJP MP son Karan Bhushan Singh was part of the parliamentary committee involved in framing the new UGC rules, while his MLA son Pratik Bhushan Singh has opposed them.
In Rae Bareli, a BJP office-bearer resigned, citing the UGC rules as “black laws” and claiming they were anti-social and divisive, particularly against upper-caste students.
Some lawyers and civil society members have also alleged that the UGC 2026 regulations could create a situation of social unrest and deepen divisions within society.
With protests spreading and political voices cutting across party lines, pressure is mounting on the Centre to review or withdraw the new UGC regulations.
