Maria Shakil Reports: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over 'Patka' Row At Rashtrapati Bhavan

On this edition of News Track, Maria Shakil examines two major political and social controversies. The programme first addresses the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' during an 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the act 'deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The second segment focuses on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines aimed at curbing caste discrimination on campuses. Maria Shakil interviews Dr. Suraj Yengde, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and student Alokit Tripathi on whether these rules ensure equity or deepen divisions. Dr. Yengde notes, 'This new directive, I think we should welcome it simply because it really covers, it backs its policy with data.' The discussion highlights concerns over potential false complaints and the lack of general category representation in equity committees, following the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest against the regulations.