Those against reservation should be booked for sedition: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale
A large number of protestors had gathered at Jantar Mantar carrying banners, posters and saffron flags and raised slogans against caste-based reservation.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has called for the invocation of sedition charges against individuals or groups opposing or advocating for the abolition of reservation, claiming it to be a constitutional right. In a statement released on August 23, 2026, Mr. Athawale highlighted recent protests against the quota system, including demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
He alleged that social media campaigns were also being launched to remove or alter the quota system. According to the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief, opposition to reservation equates to opposition to the Constitution, and such individuals should face severe penalties under sedition laws. Athawale emphasized that reservation is an entrenched constitutional right and cannot be abolished.
The Delhi Police confirmed that no permits have been issued for any protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar in relation to reservation reforms and cautioned against assembling at the site based on "misleading" information circulating on social media. Large crowds had congregated at Jantar Mantar, holding banners, posters, and saffron flags, and chanting slogans against caste-based reservation, demanding that economic criteria supersede caste in qualifying for government benefits and reservation.
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