Patna: The 14th day of the budget session in the Bihar Legislative Assembly descended into uproar on Friday after a CPI(ML) legislator used the term “Brahminism” during a debate on higher education reforms, prompting protests from treasury benches and repeated interruptions to proceedings.
Sandeep Saurabh, who represents Paliganj, was speaking on an adjournment motion concerning discrimination in universities. Referring to what he described as caste-based inequities in higher educational institutions, he urged the state government to implement new equity measures framed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). In the course of his remarks, he alleged that a “Brahminical mindset” had opposed the proposed UGC Equality Act, which he claimed led to its being stayed by the Supreme Court of India.
Saurabh cited data he said was submitted by the UGC to the court and a parliamentary panel, claiming a 118% rise in reported caste-based discrimination and harassment cases in higher education institutions between 2019 and 2024. He invoked the deaths of students including Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi and Darshan Solanki as emblematic of what he described as a continuing pattern of caste prejudice on campuses. “How long will such incidents continue?” he asked, calling for statutory safeguards to prevent discrimination.
According to Saurabh, the UGC announced equity guidelines in January 2026 aimed at addressing caste-based harassment, but these were not implemented robustly. He alleged that protests influenced by a “Brahminical mindset” resulted in the guidelines being stayed. He also referred to discussions in states such as Karnataka and Telangana about introducing legislation informally dubbed a “Rohith Vemula Act” to tackle discrimination in higher education, and urged Bihar to take similar steps.
The remarks drew immediate objections from members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Vijay Kumar Sinha said the language used was inappropriate and inconsistent with respect for constitutional institutions. “Any death is a loss to the nation,” he said, adding that rhetoric that divides communities weakens the country. He also shared his own experience of ragging while studying at a technical college in Muzaffarpur, noting that he comes from the Bhumihar Brahmin community.
The controversy widened as opposition and ruling party members traded accusations. Alok Mehta of the Rashtriya Janata Dal said the strong reaction from the treasury benches suggested discomfort, while BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari accused the opposition of harbouring prejudice against Brahmins. A heated exchange also took place between Saurabh and BJP MLA Murari Mohan Thakur, with both members pointing fingers before being restrained.
As tempers flared, the speaker, Prem Kumar, intervened and directed that the word “Brahmin” be expunged from the official record, restoring order after several minutes of disruption.
