TM Exclusive: Congress's Social Justice Drama? Viral Video of Opposition to UGC Rules Raises Questions on 'Party Line'!

Bhopal- A new debate has erupted in Madhya Pradesh politics after a video of former minister and Congress MLA Jayvardhan Singh went viral on social media. In the video, he is seen standing in opposition to rules related to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and heard expressing support for joining a protest. During the event, he tells some people, "We stand with you, don't worry." When an activist mentioned submitting a memorandum on February 1, Jayvardhan Singh responded, "Absolutely, how could the BJP government implement such things? We will not tolerate it."

As soon as this statement surfaced, questions arose about Congress's politics of social justice and the party's stated line.

The video reportedly dates back a few days, when some upper-caste organizations were protesting against the UGC rules. But once it became public, political reactions intensified. Critics argue that on one hand, Congress advocates for the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, and marginalized communities, while on the other, its leader is seen opposing UGC rules, strengthening accusations of a gap between words and actions. This has fueled discussions about the contradiction between Rahul Gandhi's 'social justice' political rhetoric and on-ground statements by party leaders.

Bahujan organizations raise questions

After the statement went viral, Bahujan social organizations and parties launched a sharp attack on Congress. They argue that this is not limited to one leader's statement but exposes Congress's dual character. The organizations allege that the party talks of standing with Dalits, Adivasis, and backward communities on election platforms, but changes its stance when policy issues arise. According to critics, this sends the message that Congress's politics is driven by opportunism rather than firm ideological commitment.

On this issue, Azad Samaj Party's Madhya Pradesh leader Sunil Astey targeted Congress on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Congress's anti-UGC Act policy is now out in the open. Love for upper castes has awakened. Congress MLA Jayvardhan Singh doesn't care about the caste-based oppression faced by OBC, SC-ST children." He further alleged that Congress has historically opposed Bahujan society and Ambedkarite ideas, so expecting social justice from it is futile.

Sunil Astey clarified in his post that Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army stand in support of the UGC and are committed to advancing this fight from Parliament to the streets. He took a personal dig at Congress leadership, saying senior leader Digvijaya Singh is now silent due to "putra moh" (affection for his son) and shows no concern for OBC-SC-ST society. The post ended with hashtags like #We_support_UGC_Act to strongly assert the Bahujan side.

Congress's claim to social justice is hollow!

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Astey said: "Congress's claim to social justice is completely hollow. Jayvardhan Singh's statement on the UGC Equality Regulations 2006 makes it clear that there is a deep gap between Congress's words and deeds. When it comes to the rights of OBC, SC, and ST children, Congress leaders stand with upper-caste organizations. This is not just one person's statement but reveals Congress's real mindset. Bahujan society has now understood this hypocrisy and will continue its fight in support of UGC from Parliament to the streets."

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Bahujan Samaj Party Madhya Pradesh president Ramakant Pippal said: "The entire country is now seeing Congress's dual policy. The Congress that talks of social justice reveals its intentions and policies when decisions come up. Dalits, Adivasis, and backward society are no longer swayed by mere slogans. This is why people's trust in Bahujan Samaj Party is continuously increasing. Congress has repeatedly disappointed these sections, and now people are looking toward a true alternative."

Gondwana Ganatantra Party targets Congress

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Gondwana Ganatantra Party national general secretary Aman Singh Porte said: "No one truly cares about Dalit and Adivasi issues. Our society has faced exploitation for centuries, and it continues in different forms today. Congress standing in opposition on an issue like UGC raises questions about its intentions. The state Congress president should clearly state whether the party supports or opposes the UGC rules. Dual policies will no longer work, as Dalit-Adivasi society is watching and understanding everything."

The Mooknayak representative spoke to Congress leader Jayvardhan Singh about the controversy. Jayvardhan Singh said his video has been presented misleadingly. He clarified that he only said ragging in higher education institutions can happen to anyone and sensitivity is needed on this issue. According to him, portraying his statement as opposition to the UGC Equality Law is incorrect.

However, when The Mooknayak directly asked whether he supports or opposes the UGC rules, he did not give a clear and straightforward answer.

Overall, Jayvardhan Singh's viral video has once again brought the UGC law issue to the center of political debate. This matter is not just about one statement but has become a test of political parties' ideological clarity and their real commitment to social justice. It remains to be seen in the coming days what official stance Congress adopts on these allegations and whether the party can align its leaders' statements with its policy positions.