New UGC equity regulations spark student protests, political fallout in U.P.

Students at Lucknow University protested against new regulations from the University Grants Commission (UGC), alleging they would disrupt social harmony and affect their studies. The protests followed dissent within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with several local leaders resigning in opposition to the rules, which some argue unfairly target upper caste students. The issue has also led to the suspension of a PCS officer who resigned after criticizing the regulations as discriminatory. Political figures have reacted to the controversy, with some accusing the BJP of attempting to divide society and others calling for a return to previous policies.