Reservation Row Intensifies As Protests Spread Across States; Karni Sena Vows Not To Vote BJP

Published 6 August 2026 · local

News india Reservation Row Intensifies As Protests Spread Across States; Karni Sena Vows Not To Vote BJP Reservation Row Intensifies As Protests Spread Across States;

News india Reservation Row Intensifies As Protests Spread Across States; Karni Sena Vows Not To Vote BJP Reservation Row Intensifies As Protests Spread Across States; Karni Sena Vows Not To Vote BJP Published By, Last Updated: August 06, 2026, 13:33 IST The Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) has emerged as a prominent online platform opposing caste-based quotas. Rapid Read Thousands of Karni Sena supporters, led by Mahipal Singh Makrana, attempted to reach the BJP office and the Rajasthan Chief Minister's residence on August 3. (X/@RHAreform) The anti-reservation campaign that gathered momentum online following the NEET paper leak controversy is increasingly finding expression on the ground, with demonstrations being reported from several states and social media platforms becoming hubs for mobilisation. One of the most recognisable faces of the campaign is Harsh Dubey, the young man whose remarks during a television debate on the NEET paper leak went viral. During the discussion, he argued that caste-based reservation was contributing to student distress and suicides. Since then, Dubey has gained a significant following on social media, appeared in numerous interviews and is currently awaiting permission to hold a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. At the same time, the Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) has emerged as a prominent online platform opposing caste-based quotas. The Instagram page, which gained visibility as the CJP protests tapered off, now claims around 5.9 million followers. Last week, it organised its first physical rally in Nagpur, marking its entry into street-level mobilisation. In Rajasthan, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena has launched a separate agitation focused largely on the now-stayed UGC Equity Regulations. Its protest in Jaipur escalated into clashes with police, with the outfit alleging that one protester died following the confrontation. The group’s leadership has since vowed not to support the BJP in upcoming local body elections. Taken together, these developments indicate that anti-reservation voices are becoming more prominent both online and offline. However, the movement remains decentralised. Dubey continues to pursue plans for a protest in Delhi, the RHA is focused on digital mobilisation, while the Karni Sena is leading demonstrations on the ground in Rajasthan. The campaign has also drawn support from public figures including academic and author Anand Ranganathan, journalist and content creator Ajeet Bharti, and writer-director Anuradha Tiwari. All have associated themselves with the RHA platform, which was launched by a student named Vedant.