Patna: The 14th day of the Bihar Assembly’s budget session witnessed a heated uproar. Speaking in the House, CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh alleged that those with a Brahminical mindset are the ones who want to prevent the implementation of the UGC Equality Act. His statement drew objections from ruling party members, leading to sloganeering from both sides. Deputy CM Vijay Sinha stated that the use of such language is inappropriate.
MLA raises the issue of Brahminism: In a motion for adjournment, CPI(ML) MLA from Paliganj, Sandeep Saurabh, was raising his concerns about educational institutions. He stated that caste-based discrimination exists in higher educational institutions, demanding the implementation of the new UGC regulations in Bihar. He continued, “People with a Brahminical mindset opposed the UGC Equality Act, which the Supreme Court withdrew.”
“How long will Rohit Vemula continue?”: The CPI(ML) MLA questioned how long students like Rohit Vemula continue to die in the country. Between 2019 and 2024, there has been a 118 percent increase in caste-related disputes in higher educational institutions. Incidents of caste-based discrimination and harassment are being reported in universities and higher educational institutions across the country, including Bihar. The murder of Romit Vemula at the Central University of Hyderabad in 2016, Payal Tadvi, a student at a medical college in Mumbai in 2019, and Darshan Solanki, a student at IIT Bombay in 2021, are examples of caste-based discrimination and harassment in campuses.
The Paliganj MLA further stated, “According to the report submitted by the UGC to the Honorable Supreme Court and the Parliamentary Panel, there has been a 118 percent increase in incidents of caste-based discrimination and harassment in higher educational institutions from 2019 to 2024.” The UGC announced Equity Guidelines in January 2026, but instead of implementing them firmly, the Supreme Court suspended them following protests fueled by a Brahminical mindset.
Sandeep Saurabh stated that while the UGC Equality Act has been put on hold, the state governments of Karnataka and Telangana have taken note of the potential for a Rohith Vemula Act to address caste-based discrimination and harassment in their higher educational institutions. To eliminate casteism and discrimination in universities and higher educational institutions, the Bihar government must implement the UGC Guidelines in its state and urge the central government to enact an ordinance in Parliament to enact them into law.
“In January 2026, the UGC announced activity guidelines to prevent caste-based harassment in higher educational institutions. Instead of strictly implementing these guidelines, the Supreme Court suspended them following protests sponsored by a Brahminical mindset.” – Sandeep Saurabh, MLA, CPI (ML)
Vijay Sinha said, “Such language is inappropriate”: Ruling party MLAs objected to the use of the word “Brahminism” in Sandeep Saurabh’s statement. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha said, “If you respect the Constitution and constitutional institutions, such language is inappropriate. Any death is a loss for the entire country and state. I respect every community. The poison being spread against society is weakening the country.” “I also went to Muzaffarpur to study at a technical college. Whose government was in power at that time? I belong to the Bhumihar Brahmin community. I too was ragged and was forced out of the hostel.” This is an attempt to shatter Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar’s dream of a diverse caste system. These people betray society.” – Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy CM, Bihar
RJD-Left-BJP Conflict on Brahminism: RJD MLA Alok Mehta, responding to Vijay Sinha’s statement, said that the manner in which these people are speaking on this issue clearly shows that they are a thief with a thorn in their beard. BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari, responding to this, said that those in the opposition have a problem with Brahmins. They do not understand Brahminism. Meanwhile, CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurav and BJP MLA Murari Mohan Thakur got into an argument, after which both pointed fingers at each other. However, as the controversy escalated, Speaker Prem Kumar ordered the word “Brahmin” to be removed.
