Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Demands at Delhi Reservation Protest: White Paper, Quota Within Quota and More

YouTuber and commentator Ajeet Bharti, speaking at a protest against caste-based reservation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, called for a review of the existing reservation system and outlined four key demands, including a white paper on reservations, quota within quota, minimum marks for admissions and greater benefits for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

The protest was organised by the ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’, a social media-driven movement opposing caste-based quotas. A large number of protesters gathered in Delhi on Friday despite permission reportedly being granted for the demonstration at Ramlila Maidan. Several protesters were later detained by Delhi Police.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Bharti said his first demand was that the government publish a white paper examining the reservation system and its impact over the past 80 years.

Citing the Musahar community in Bihar, Bharti argued that some disadvantaged groups continue to remain outside the benefits of reservation because of limited political representation.

Quota Within Quota

Bharti’s second demand was for a quota within the existing reservation system. He also questioned the government’s position on applying the creamy-layer principle to such an arrangement.

Earlier this month, the government told the Supreme Court that the creamy-layer concept should not be extended to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, arguing that the doctrine has historically been applied to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Minimum Marks for Higher Education

His third demand was for minimum marks to be maintained for admission to higher educational institutions.

Bharti argued that reservation should not come at the cost of academic standards and said merit and admission criteria should be protected in institutions such as IITs and IIMs.

Greater EWS Benefits

Bharti’s fourth demand concerned the Economically Weaker Sections category. He called for greater financial support for EWS students, including relief related to application fees, hostel charges and course fees.

He also urged the government to initiate a formal dialogue on the issue.

Protesters Detained at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police detained several protesters after denying permission for demonstrations in and around Jantar Mantar, according to reports.

The protest had been mobilised through social media, with demonstrators demanding that economic criteria receive greater weight than caste in determining eligibility for government support and reservations.

Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in the area, while barricades were installed to regulate movement around Jantar Mantar.

Who Is Ajeet Bharti?

Ajeet Bharti is an independent journalist, author and media creator from Bihar known for political and social commentary. He has previously worked with mainstream media organisations before launching his independent media venture, AB4K Media.

He has also produced political satire and commentary on issues involving the government, judiciary, media and society. His books include Bakar Puran, Ghar Wapasi, There Will Be No Love and Jo Bhi Kahunga Sach Kahunga.

Bharti previously co-founded ‘DO Politics’ before moving on to establish his own media platform focused on political opinion and analysis.