lateral Entry UPSC: The opposition has found out the ‘sore spot’ of the Modi government! Know the story behind the Modi government’s U-turn on lateral entry

New Delhi: The central government on Tuesday asked the UPSC to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry in bureaucracy, creating a stir in political circles. While BJP-NDA members praised Prime Minister Modi’s move for raising the issue of ‘social justice’, the India Alliance called it a ‘victory for the Constitution’ and praised the Leader of Opposition for leading the campaign against the government’s move. The Centre’s decision comes amid criticism from both the opposition and NDA allies.

BJP praised PM Modi

The BJP-NDA praised Prime Minister Modi for personally intervening in the matter and making ‘social justice’ the cornerstone of his/her policy. Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in his/her letter that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that lateral entry should be in conformity with the ‘principles of equity and social justice’, especially with regard to ‘provisions of reservation’. he/she said, ‘Most of the major lateral entries before 2014 were made in this manner, including cases of alleged bias, our government’s efforts have been to make this process institutionally driven, transparent and open. The Prime Minister is of the view that the process of lateral entry should be in conformity with the principles of equality and social justice enshrined in our Constitution.’

Chirag Paswan also expressed happiness

Union minister Chirag Paswan, who was the first leader within the NDA to raise his/her voice against the lateral entry scheme, expressed relief and happiness after the government announced its decision to roll back the move. “I am happy that Prime Minister Modi understood the concerns of SC/ST and backward people. My party LJP (Ram Vilas) and I thank PM Modi,” he/she said.

Ashwini Vaishnav also appreciated

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also praised Prime Minister Modi for reaffirming his/her commitment to the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar by implementing reservation principles in the lateral entry of the Union Public Service Commission. The Union Minister said that PM Modi ensured that the five holy places of Babasaheb Ambedkar are given their due status. We are also proud that the President of India comes from a tribal community.

Rahul Gandhi took a jibe

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the Modi 3.0 government’s decision and said that the Congress-led opposition will continue to strongly oppose ‘conspiracies like BJP’s lateral entry’. The Rae Bareli MP also reiterated that he/she will continue to fight for social justice on the basis of ‘caste census’. A few hours after the Center’s decision, he/she wrote on X, ‘We will protect the Constitution and the reservation system at all costs. We will thwart conspiracies like BJP’s ‘lateral entry’ at any cost.’

“The Constitution has won”

Reacting to the development, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Samvidhan Jayate! Congress party’s fight for social justice of our Dalits, Adivasis, backward and weaker sections has foiled the plans of BJP to snatch away reservation. Modi government’s letter on lateral entry shows that only the power of the constitution can defeat the arrogance of dictatorial power. The government has taken a step back due to the campaign of Rahul Gandhi, Congress and INDIA parties, but as long as BJP-RSS is in power, it will keep adopting new tactics to snatch away reservation. We all have to be careful.”

Opposition leaders gave credit to Rahul Gandhi

Other opposition leaders from the India Alliance praised Rahul Gandhi for defending the lateral entry advertisement and called it a victory for the Constitution. Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the year 2024 has given a ‘weak’ Prime Minister and a ‘strong mass leader opposition’. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi thanked Rahul Gandhi and said because of your firm commitment India is on the path of respect for all. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the cancellation of the latest advertisement for lateral entry in bureaucracy is a ‘victory for the Constitution of India’, and said it was possible because of the opposition led by Rahul Gandhi.

What did SP chief Akhilesh Yadav say?

Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the conspiracy to make backdoor appointments through lateral entry in UPSC by abolishing reservation has finally succumbed to the unity of PDA. he/she also called it a big victory and claimed that this setback has ‘exposed’ the ‘anti-reservation face of BJP’.

Mayawati claims the decision was taken after her protest

BSP chief Mayawati claimed that the Centre has withdrawn the advertisement for recruitment through lateral entry after her party protested the move. She said that “all such anti-reservation processes” need to be stopped.

CM Stalin also called the opposition strong

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin expressed confidence that the ‘strong opposition’ of the India Alliance forced the BJP-led NDA government to back down from going ahead with the recruitment process under lateral entry. The DMK leader also reiterated his/her long-standing call for a nationwide caste census on the occasion. “Victory of social justice! After strong opposition from our India Alliance, the Central Government has withdrawn lateral entry recruitment,” the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter.