A significant controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh following the UP Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination held on March 14, 2026. A question in the Hindi section of the test has sparked political outrage and led to allegations of a “conspiracy” to defame the state government.
The Question at the Center of the Row
The written test, conducted by the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, included a “one-word substitution” question:
- The Question: Provide a one-word term for “a person who changes according to circumstances.”
- The Options: 1. Pandit (Scholar) 2. Avsarvadi (Opportunist) 3. Nishkapat (Innocent) 4. Sadachari (Virtuous)
- The Conflict: While the correct linguistic answer is “Avsarvadi,” the inclusion of “Pandit” as a synonym or distractor for “opportunist” has been deemed derogatory by community groups and political leaders.
Political and Community Reactions
The incident has escalated quickly, with several high-profile figures demanding accountability:
- BJP Representation: Abhijat Mishra, a state office-bearer, submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling the inclusion of the term “objectionable and sensitive.” He argued that it hurts the sentiments of the Brahmin community.
- Hindu Mahasabha: Shishir Chaturvedi of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha alleged a deeper conspiracy. He stated that the move was likely an attempt by “hidden elements” to malign the Yogi government and spread hatred against Brahmins.
- Government Action: Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak has ordered an immediate departmental inquiry. He stated on social media that derogatory expressions toward any caste or tradition are “completely unacceptable” in public institutions and promised strict action against the paper-setting committee.
Related Developments in UP
The exam row is one of several recent controversies involving the UP Police and community sentiments:
- The “Iran” Remark: In Sambhal, a Deputy SP (Kuldeep Kumar) is facing an inquiry after a video went viral where he told citizens concerned about the Iran-Israel war to “board a plane and go to Iran.” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the remark, calling it the language of a “dictator.”
- ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Movie: The exam row follows a similar backlash in February against a film title that critics claimed portrayed the Brahmin community in a negative light.