Facing significant opposition from various political leaders and parties, the Indian government has cancelled the UPSC advertisement for lateral recruitment of 45 mid-level bureaucrats. Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the move, arguing it undermined the reservation rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs. In response, the government emphasized its commitment to social justice, with Prime Minister Modi directing the inclusion of quota provisions in such recruitments. Opposition figures like MK Stalin also condemned the lateral entry scheme, calling it an attack on social justice and advocating for a caste census. The swift cancellation reflects the government's recognition of the political sensitivity surrounding caste reservations ahead of upcoming state elections.