New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Supreme Court's ruling to halt the implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, on Thursday sparked a range of political responses. The Congress Party expressed its approval of the decision, while the BJP emphasized its respect for the court's order and its commitment to comply accordingly.

Ajay Rai, the Congress President of Uttar Pradesh, expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court and criticized the BJP-led administration for what he described as divisive politics.

"I am thankful to the Supreme Court. The BJP government has engaged in divisive politics within society — initially between Hindus and Muslims, and now even within the Hindu community by segregating them into forward, backward, and Dalit factions. The Supreme Court deserves full credit for this ruling," Rai mentioned to IANS.

In contrast, Congress leader Hussain Dalwai voiced his concerns over the temporary relief provided by the court.

"The Supreme Court should not have imposed a stay. A firmer stance against those opposing the regulations should have been adopted. This decision may be interpreted as aiding the BJP," he remarked.

Dalwai further accused the ruling party of undermining the rights of marginalized groups.

"The BJP appears to be contemplating a rollback of these regulations with assistance from the Supreme Court. The rights of OBC, SC, and ST communities must be upheld. This ruling is fundamentally incorrect," he stated.

He also alleged that the justice system and bureaucracy are being manipulated, citing the increasing appointments of individuals affiliated with the RSS, which he believes is compromising constitutional institutions.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari welcomed the court's intervention but criticized the government for exacerbating social strife.

"The Supreme Court has rendered its verdict, and I applaud it. However, it is the government's obligation to foster harmony among different communities and prevent disputes. Instead, this administration is inciting conflicts based on caste and religion, distracting from pressing issues," he asserted.

RLP leader and MP Hanuman Beniwal insisted that the government clarify its stance on the matter.

"It cannot be said that the government was previously unaware. Governments do not take actions lightly. The government must uphold its position in the Supreme Court. Whether they maintain or alter their stance will be revealed in court. If they retreat, it could be perceived as an attempt to divide the populace," he warned.

Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj underscored the necessity of strictly adhering to constitutional provisions.

"Every article of the Constitution ought to be carefully reviewed and properly enforced. Amendments should only be made where indispensable. The Constitution already contains robust anti-discrimination clauses, which must be thoroughly examined and executed in the right spirit. Discussions on these matters are essential, but the government's introduction of new guidelines indicates confusion regarding its intentions," he remarked.

Samajwadi Party leader S.T. Hasan emphasized the importance of justice for all communities.

"The public's anger should diminish, and justice must prevail. The rights of SC, ST, and OBC groups should not be infringed upon, nor should injustice be inflicted upon individuals from the general category. We shall respect the court's ultimate decision, and the present stay order is indeed welcome," he affirmed.

Conversely, BJP representatives highlighted their respect for the judiciary and refrained from criticizing the Supreme Court.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated, "It is a court order. The government acts in accordance with court directives."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad argued that the stay should be contextualized within democratic principles.

"In a democracy, the judiciary, executive, and legislature each possess distinct areas of authority that must be acknowledged. The court has merely issued a stay; it has not rejected the regulations. The final decision will follow thorough consideration," he explained.

BJP Rajya Sabha member Laxmikant Bajpai reaffirmed the party's commitment to respecting the Supreme Court.

"We hold the Supreme Court in high regard, and we will act in accordance with whatever decision it renders," he stated.

BJP leader Sunil Bharala pointed out perceived flaws in the regulations.

"One major concern is that the use of caste-related terminology could lead to legal action against students. Additionally, a committee has been created in which one community will decide matters relevant to that committee. These issues require careful examination," he noted.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh avoided commenting on the issue, stating, "We cannot comment on matters currently before the court."