Congress, BJP clash over tribal hostel reforms as protests persist

On August 25, 2026, a dispute erupted between BJP and Congress after Rahul Gandhi wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, prompting the state government to scrap age limits for tribal hostel admissions. Congress leader Vijay Waddettiwar threatened Tribal Affairs Minister Ashok Uike's resignation if other demands were not met, while NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar supported protesting students demanding additional reforms like filling vacancies and compensation for deceased tribal girls. Despite the government’s move, protests continued as students insisted on addressing all their concerns.