New Delhi: In a surprising political shift, the Modi government, previously known for its decisive governance in its first two terms, finds itself on the defensive in its third term. The latest controversy erupted after the central government abruptly canceled the UPSC Lateral Entry advertisement, a move that has invigorated the opposition and sparked intense political debate.
On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh officially announced the withdrawal of the UPSC Lateral Entry scheme through a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The letter stated that the decision was reversed following direct orders from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This abrupt U-turn provided a golden opportunity for the opposition, which swiftly claimed it as a significant victory in their ongoing battle against the BJP.
Opposition Leaders Rally Against BJP’s “Lateral Entry” Scheme
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, took to social media platform X to declare, “We will protect the Constitution and the reservation system at all costs. We will foil the conspiracies of BJP like ‘lateral entry’ at all costs. I am saying once again—by breaking the 50% reservation limit, we will ensure social justice based on count.” His statement was a clear indication of the opposition’s intent to frame this issue as a crucial part of their broader fight for social justice.
Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, quickly followed suit. In a strongly worded post, Yadav accused the BJP of attempting to bypass the reservation system through what he called the “backdoor” of lateral entry. He credited the unity of the PDA (Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party) for forcing the government to retract the decision. Yadav further declared that the planned movement against lateral entry, set to begin on October 2, has been postponed due to this “victory.”
Political Ramifications: Opposition Gains Momentum, BJP on the Defensive
The cancellation of the UPSC Lateral Entry scheme is seen as a significant blow to the BJP, particularly as it prepares for upcoming elections. The opposition is likely to strengthen its narrative of “Saving the Constitution and Reservation,” a theme that resonated strongly with voters in previous elections. Meanwhile, the Modi government’s decision to backtrack could tarnish its image as a party that prides itself on making tough, decisive choices.
As the political landscape shifts, the BJP faces the challenge of countering this narrative and regaining its footing. The opposition, emboldened by what they view as a victory, is expected to continue leveraging this issue to rally support and challenge the ruling party’s policies.
