Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday strongly defended the reservation system, calling it a constitutional right and rejecting any suggestion that it could be removed simply through political demands for its abolition or review.
Speaking in Delhi, Paswan argued that reservation was created because caste-based discrimination continues to exist in Indian society. He said the system should not be viewed as government assistance or charity but as a constitutional safeguard for historically disadvantaged communities.
“Is reservation something that can be abolished simply because someone says so? It is a constitutional right. Reservation is not charity handed out to anyone; it is a constitutional right, and no power on earth can abolish it,” Paswan said.
Chirag Paswan Cites Continuing Caste Discrimination
The Union Minister said debates over reservation must also consider the discrimination faced by members of Scheduled Castes.
He pointed to incidents in which Dalit youths have allegedly faced restrictions during wedding ceremonies, including being prevented from riding horses or taking out wedding processions.
Paswan also referred to instances involving temples and political leaders to underline his argument that caste discrimination has not disappeared.
“Look at what happened to Mr Kharge on that stage. The stage was purified after he visited it, wasn’t it?” he said.
He further alleged that discriminatory practices continue in different parts of the country, despite constitutional protections against untouchability.
“Even today, a Dalit youth is stopped from riding a horse; a Dalit boy is prevented from taking out a wedding procession,” Paswan said.
‘Discrimination Still Exists Today’
Paswan said the persistence of such incidents demonstrates why reservation and other constitutional safeguards remain necessary.
“When prominent leaders visit a temple, the premises are sometimes washed with Gangajal. So, this discrimination persists, doesn’t it?” he said.
The minister described Scheduled Castes as communities that have historically faced untouchability and social exclusion, arguing that the continuing presence of such discrimination makes calls to weaken reservation a serious concern.
‘I Will Never Allow This System To Be Undermined’
Paswan also made it clear that he would oppose any move that, in his view, weakens the reservation system.
“I can say with absolute certainty that as long as I am here and as long as Chirag Paswan, the son of Ram Vilas Paswan, is part of the government, I will never allow this system to be undermined,” he said.
His remarks come amid continuing political debate over reservation, its constitutional status and proposals for changes or review of affirmative-action policies.
Paswan’s statement firmly placed him on the side of protecting the existing reservation framework, while highlighting what he described as continuing caste-based discrimination as the reason such safeguards remain important.
