Amid ongoing protests against caste-based reservations by the "upper-castes," BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok's comments regarding the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota introduced in 2019 have sparked controversy. In a video titled "My personal views only on UGC and Reservation," Alok argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed upper-caste concerns through the EWS quota and the National Commission for Backward Classes' (NCBC) constitutional status. However, reservation reform activists have accused him of silencing upper-caste voices on policies affecting them. The controversy comes in the context of a longstanding online campaign seeking changes to caste-based reservation, including a review of its impact, sub-categorisation, and economic criteria. This campaign gained momentum after a major protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar on August 21, led by quota reform activist Harsh Dubey, demanding that quota benefits be more closely tied to economic needs. The ongoing protests, primarily involving unreserved category citizens, have put the BJP in an uncomfortable position, as they form part of its core support base. Some political leaders, including Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Ramdas Athawale, have criticized the protests, while the BJP has been cautious in its engagement with the protesters without endorsing their demands. The issue could gain significant political weight in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.