Patna, February 20, 2026: A heated debate erupted in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Friday after CPI (ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh used the phrase “Brahminical mindset” while discussing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity reforms. The remark drew sharp criticism from BJP members, leading Speaker Prem Kumar to intervene and order the word “Brahmin” be expunged from the official records to restore order.
MLA Calls for UGC Equity Reforms
During an adjournment motion on UGC’s equity regulations, Saurabh urged the Bihar government to implement the UGC Equity Act to curb caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. He said that caste prejudice continues to affect students across universities in Bihar and the country.
“Incidents of discrimination are widespread, and some have even led to tragic deaths,” Saurabh said, citing examples including the 2016 death of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad, the 2019 case of a medical student Payal in Mumbai, and the 2023 death of IIT Bombay student Darshan Solanki. He described these as instances of “institutional killings linked to caste discrimination and harassment.”
He further alleged that the Supreme Court’s recent stay on the UGC regulations followed protests influenced by what he called a “Brahminical mindset.” According to Saurabh, caste-based harassment in higher education increased by 118 percent between 2019 and 2024, citing a UGC report submitted to the Supreme Court and a parliamentary panel.
BJP Lawmakers Push Back
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP member Vijay Kumar Sinha strongly reacted to Saurabh’s remark, accusing the opposition of trying to “inject the poison of casteism” and weaken the nation. “Why are such words being used? It reflects your mindset,” Sinha said, asserting that the government respected all communities and did not endorse divisive language.
Sinha also shared his personal experience of facing ragging during his college years in Muzaffarpur despite being from the Bhumihar Brahmin community.
“I was even expelled from the hostel. Discrimination and harassment cannot be seen only through a caste lens,” he said, questioning the opposition for challenging constitutional institutions while holding positions under the Constitution.
Speaker Intervenes
As the uproar escalated, Speaker Prem Kumar stepped in to maintain decorum in the House. He directed that the word “Brahmin” be expunged from the official proceedings.
Following the intervention, the Assembly resumed its business without further disruption.
