In his resignation letter, emailed to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly district magistrate Avinash Singh, Agnihotri demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, notified on January 13. The regulations aim to curb caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions by mandating special committees, helplines, and monitoring mechanisms, particularly for grievances from SC, ST, and OBC students. However, the framework has drawn criticism from some general category students, who fear it may institutionalize reverse discrimination. Speaking to reporters on Republic Day, Agnihotri warned that the UGC rules could lead to “atrocities against Brahmins” and potentially spark social unrest.
Agnihotri also pointed to recent incidents to illustrate what he described as selective administrative action. He specifically referred to the alleged prevention of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand from taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. Questioning the administration’s role in such matters, he said faith, freedom of expression, and republican values were steadily being undermined.
