Aazad Samaj Party chief and Member of Parliament Chandrashekhar Aazad on Thursday, 17 September 2026, announced a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 24 September, demanding government action on the long-pending reservation issue for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The rally is aimed at pressing for reservations in promotions, a matter that has reportedly remained unresolved since 2012.

The Reservation Demand

Speaking to reporters in the capital, Aazad drew a sharp contrast between the government's engagement with reservation opponents and its response to those advocating for it. 'There is a protest at Jantar Mantar on the 24th. We will see whether the government discusses the issue with us in the same way and takes appropriate action, like it was discussing it with those opposing reservation,' he said. He underlined that the question of reservation in promotions for SCs, STs, and OBCs has been pending since 2012, making it a 14-year-old unresolved policy matter.

Alleged Attack on Convoy in Barabanki

Separately, Aazad alleged that his convoy was attacked in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, while he was travelling to meet the family of Vinod Kumar Sahani, a trader from the Nishad community who was reportedly killed over a social media dispute. Describing the incident as a 'conspiracy', he stated: 'There was a complete attempt to kill me. My colleagues were repeatedly threatened, with people telling them that their vehicles would be set on fire... There must be some conspiracy behind this.'

Aazad also levelled serious allegations against Barabanki Police, claiming the alleged attack occurred in the presence of police personnel. He demanded that a second application be registered and that officials named in connection with the incident — including a woman SI, an Inspector, and an ACP — be suspended from duty pending investigation.

FIR Registered, Video Evidence Sought

Aazad confirmed that an FIR regarding the attack on him was registered on 17 September. He called for the preservation of video footage from the incident to facilitate judicial cognisance. 'There is evidence of how photographs of Babasaheb Ambedkar displayed on the vehicles and placards were torn down and trampled under foot, and how party workers were beaten... this is the law-and-order system of Uttar Pradesh,' he said.

Aazad's Stance on Police Accountability

Despite his criticism of specific officials, Aazad struck a measured tone on the institution as a whole. 'I agree that they have delayed taking action but our police are our pride. Some police personnel may be at fault, but not all of them can be blamed,' he said, while insisting the party would pursue the matter strictly through constitutional means. He noted that the FIR naming the concerned officials marked 'some progress' in seeking accountability.

With the 24 September protest at Jantar Mantar now confirmed, the political pressure around both the Barabanki incident and the broader reservation-in-promotions issue is set to intensify in the coming days.