Fact Check: New UGC regulations - Torchlight rally in Bihar against changes? No, here’s the truth
A video claiming to show a torchlight protest in Bihar against the BJP and UGC’s caste equity regulations is being widely shared on social media.
By - M Ramesh Naik
Claim:The video shows a torchlight (mashal) protest by the Karni Sena and other upper-caste organisations in Bihar against BJP policies, introducing the UGC’s proposed 2026 equity regulations.
Fact:The claim is false. The video is from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and shows a torchlight rally organised by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and NSUI in August 2025, protesting alleged ‘vote chori’ by the Centre and the Election Commission.
Hyderabad: Recently, the Union government announced new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. Under the proposed rules, all universities and colleges must constitute committees to address complaints related to caste discrimination and promote equity on campuses.
The move triggered protests from sections of students belonging to the General category, who argued that similar grievance mechanisms do not exist for them.
Demonstrations were also held at the UGC headquarters, with some protesters alleging that the regulations could lead to misuse. Student organisations, including the All-India Students’ Association (AISA), have issued statements both supporting and opposing the regulations, sparking wider debate.
Amid this backdrop, a nighttime torchlight procession video began circulating on social media, with the claim that it shows protests in Bihar against BJP policies and the UGC’s equity regulations. The posts also alleged a media blackout and called for nationwide mobilisation.
An X user shared the clip with the caption, “The Karni Sena and various upper-caste organisations have called for a Bharat Bandh. In different states of the country, this protest will be strengthened in a peaceful and organised manner. An appeal to all comrades: Make this movement successful with discipline and unity in your respective states, so that our voice reaches a decisive level.” (Translated from Hindi) (Archive)
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is false. The video does not show a protest in Bihar, and is not linked to the new UGC regulations, reservation policies or anti-BJP student protests over campus equity.
Examination of the visuals
A closer examination of multiple frames from the viral clip shows placards and banners referencing ‘Vote Chori’ (vote theft), the Indian Youth Congress and images of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The name ‘Chhattisgarh’ is also visible on banners in the footage.
Using these visual clues, NewsMeter conducted a keyword search and traced the video to a report shared by Vistaar News on their Facebook page on August 14, 2025.
The report stated that the Indian Youth Congress had organised a torchlight rally in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, protesting alleged electoral irregularities and accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and the Election Commission of ‘vote chori.’
The visuals from the Vistaar News report match the viral video currently being circulated with false claims.
Further verification led to an Instagram post by an account associated with the Chhattisgarh Youth Congress social media, which shared a similar video on August 14, 2025.
The caption described the rally as a torchlight procession held in Raipur under the leadership of Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib, aimed at protesting alleged threats to constitutional values and democracy.
A similar video from the same event was also posted by the Facebook page with a caption giving the same details on August 14, 2025.
The viral video does not show a torchlight protest in Bihar against UGC equity regulations. It is an older clip from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, recorded during an Indian Youth Congress-led rally in August 2025 over alleged ‘vote chori.’
Therefore, the claim is false.
