Reservation not charity: Chirag Paswan amid anti-quota protest at Jantar Mantar

Chirag Paswan said at Patna airport that reservations cannot be abolished on demand. He said it remains a constitutional tool for social justice and should be explained through dialogue.discussions with the protesters could help them understand the purpose of reservation and why the system continues to be necessary. (File Photo: ITG)Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Friday said reservations cannot be abolished at anyone's demand, asserting that it is a constitutional right meant to support communities that have faced social discrimination for generations.Speaking to reporters at Patna airport before leaving for Delhi, Paswan was asked about the student protests at Jantar Mantar demanding an end to the reservation system.“Reservation is not something that can be ended at anyone's demand, nor is it charity given to anyone,” Paswan said. He emphasised that reservation is a constitutional provision and not a concession extended at the discretion of any government.'RESERVATION AIMED AT SOCIAL INCLUSION'Paswan said the reservation system was introduced to bring sections of society that had faced prolonged social discrimination into the mainstream. Referring specifically to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, he said the Constitution identified these communities and provided reservation as a means of supporting their advancement.He also argued that instances of social discrimination continue to occur in society, indicating that discussions on strengthening social justice remain relevant. Paswan referred to an incident in Uttarakhand involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge while making his point about continuing discrimination and the need for greater focus on social justice.Asked about Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's remarks on those protesting against reservation, Paswan said the protesters were expressing their concerns.He said every issue could be addressed through dialogue and that discussions with the protesters could help them understand the purpose of reservation and why the system continues to be necessary.CHIRAG HITS BACK AT TEJASHWI OVER BIHAR ECONOMYPaswan also responded to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's remarks about Bihar's economic condition.He said the Opposition should have raised its concerns with supporting data when the state Assembly was in session. According to Paswan, the Opposition's responsibility was not limited to making allegations but also included working with the government to advance Bihar's development.He said the government was continuously working to increase state revenue and would focus on attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and strengthening development in the coming years.Paswan expressed confidence that the “double-engine” government, referring to the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state, would help improve Bihar's economic strength and development prospects.His remarks came amid ongoing political debate over reservation, social justice and Bihar's economic future, with the reservation issue drawing renewed attention following student protests in Delhi.- EndsWith inputs from Shubham LalPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Aug 23, 2026 08:06 IST