Government Faces Backlash Over UPSC Ad Withdrawal

The Indian government's decision to withdraw a UPSC advertisement for recruiting 45 bureaucrats through lateral entry has ignited significant political controversy. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, argue that this move undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs, and benefits individuals loyal to the BJP's ideological mentor, the RSS. Chirag Paswan, an ally of the ruling BJP, also criticized the decision, pledging to raise the issue with the government. The BJP defended the lateral entry system, highlighting that it was initially introduced under the Congress-led UPA government and endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005. The controversy underscores deep divisions within Indian politics regarding social justice and fair representation in government appointments.