Anuradha Tiwari, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Bengaluru and CEO of the content marketing firm Just Burst Out, founded the Dharma Party of India (DPI) — also known as देशहित अधिकार रक्षा मंच — on June 16, 2025. The party introduces itself as India’s first political front solely dedicated to Merit, Equality, and Development, aiming to shift the national conversation from caste-based politics to performance-based progress.
Tiwari states that the General Category constitutes around 30% of India’s population, yet often lacks focused political representation. Through the Dharma Party of India, she seeks to build a united and self-reliant ecosystem that advocates for fair opportunities, transparent governance, and policies driven by merit rather than identity politics.
Background and Personal Information
Anuradha Tiwari, born in Uttar Pradesh and now based in the National Capital Region, rose from humble beginnings to build a thriving content marketing company that has served over 100 clients across India. Her inspiring journey fuels her powerful voice on X, where 9.8 lakh followers support her fight for General Category rights. Her viral post #BrahminGenes, shared in August 2024, reached over 87 lakh views — sparking a movement rooted in pride and merit.
Tiwari criticizes reservations, arguing that they have divided Hindus more than colonial practices and have portrayed Brahmins negatively — turning them into “villains” in the eyes of activists and politicians. In an interview with India Today on August 30, 2024, she said, “Reservations have divided Hindus more than the British ever did.” This reflects her belief that the system has not uplifted the oppressed but has instead created new divisions.
She connects reservations to broader issues, warning of a slide into socialism caused by dependency on state handouts. She credits the judiciary for preventing 100% reservation or its extension to the private sector, viewing such changes as disastrous for the General Category.
Her satire — including descriptions of a “Quota King” enjoying benefits while the General Category suffers, and hypothetical scenarios like a space mission crew chosen by quotas — highlights her frustration with entitlement culture. She has also expressed cultural critiques, favoring Bhagat Singh over B.R. Ambedkar and opposing reservation-linked naming decisions, reflecting her ideological stance.
What was the Anuradha Tiwari and IIT Mandi Controversy?
Anuradha Tiwari promoted the Minor in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, a 15-credit, 9-month program launched by CCE, IIT Mandi. The program emphasized merit-based admission without any reservations. She further committed her organisation to sponsor tuition for one or two deserving low-income General Category (GC) students, who would then volunteer to teach other GC students free of cost—reflecting her dedication to building a self-reliant, empowered open category community.
Her announcement attracted widespread attention but also fierce criticism from Ambedkarite groups, who accused the program of violating reservation policies. They contacted IIT Mandi’s official channels, demanding clarification and alleging that the absence of reservation quotas undermined the affirmative action framework designed to protect marginalized communities. These groups insisted that all educational programs, including skill-based certificate courses, should conform to reservation mandates, which reserve seats for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories in central institutions like IITs.
Under intense pressure from Ambedkarite groups, IIT Mandi later disassociated itself from the program, denying any official collaboration with Tiwari and reaffirming its adherence to reservation rules. Tiwari, however, accused the institute of retreating under this pressure and denying its own involvement to avoid controversy. She asserted that the institute’s reversal was driven by fear of Ambedkarite backlash rather than facts. Despite the controversy, the course remains listed on IIT Mandi’s website—still without any reservation quota—highlighting the ongoing tension between merit-based initiatives and existing reservation policies.
Launch of the Dharma Party of India
The Dharma Party of India officially launched on 16th June 2025 as a political front committed to Merit, Equality, and Development. In a powerful tweet, Tiwari warned that the upcoming caste census threatens the last bit of representation the General Category has, even in the private sector. Emphasizing the need for both a united community and a political front, she announced the launch of the Dharma Party of India (@DharmaPartyInd) — a party dedicated to merit, equality, and development. She called for a Merit Revolution in India and invited everyone who wants a better future for coming generations to join the movement.
The Dharma Party of India is the first party in the nation committed solely to advancing merit and development for all citizens, regardless of background. It aims to rebuild India’s future by focusing on sustainable growth, equal opportunities, and fair governance. Tiwari’s call for a Merit Revolution is a movement to empower every individual who dreams of a better, stronger country. The party invites everyone who cares about India’s future to join the cause and help create a nation where talent, hard work, and equality lead the way.
Merit Revolution: General Category Stands United
Supporters have hailed Tiwari’s move as long overdue, calling it a bold step toward reclaiming fair representation and dignity. One such supporter, Satyendra Mishra, publicly urged every member of the General Category to join the Dharma Party and recognize Anuradha Tiwari as their rightful leader in this fight for merit and equality.
Anuradha Tiwari has rapidly emerged as the leading voice of the General Category, and the launch of the Dharma Party of India has only solidified her position. Within hours of the announcement, her X posts drew an overwhelming response from lakhs of General Category individuals across the country, many of whom expressed a deep desire to be part of the movement. Judging by the flood of comments and reposts, it’s clear that the General Category community is highly energized and excited about the party’s vision.
Reservations and Caste Census
Just after the announcement of the caste census, Anuradha Tiwari posted a video on X sharply criticizing political parties for their focus on expanding reservations and conducting caste censuses. She urged the General Category community to firmly reject the caste census, stating, “Whatever be the nature of the General Category, they all must simply refuse the Caste Census. Every single General Category must outrightly reject the Caste Census. No ifs, no buts, no excuses. This is about your future — secure it, defend it!”
Her stance gained significant support, with related posts reaching over 3.6 lakh views and receiving 4,000 to 5,000 letters of encouragement. Just after a month of the announcement of caste census, Tiwari has launched her political party. Instead of a caste-based census, Tiwari advocates for a census focused on talents and skills, which she believes would better reflect individuals’ true capabilities.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite the growing support, Anuradha Tiwari and the Dharma Party of India have faced significant criticism and challenges. Critics argue that the party’s strong stance might end up alienating marginalized communities who have long depended on affirmative action for social and educational advancement. Some view the party’s focus on meritocracy as overlooking systemic inequalities that reservations aim to address. Additionally, the party has had to navigate backlash from established political groups and social activists who question its agenda. These hurdles highlight the complex and deeply rooted nature of India’s social fabric, making the path ahead challenging but crucial for fostering meaningful dialogue and reform.
Past and Historical Events
Tiwari’s efforts must be viewed within the broader historical backdrop of India’s long and often controversial journey with reservation policies. The origins of the quota system can be traced back to the Government of India Act of 1935, which introduced provisions for affirmative action even before independence. After 1947, the Constitution of Indiaformally guaranteed reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), and later extended them to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) based on the Mandal Commission’s recommendations in 1990.
These policies have sparked widespread debate and resistance, particularly among upper-caste communities who believe that such measures compromise meritocracy. More recent developments, such as the Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra and growing demands from other groups for inclusion under reserved categories, reflect the ongoing and evolving nature of this national debate.
Active Leadership in Dharma Party
Tiwari’s launch has received widespread support from those who feel excluded by the current system. Her posts on X have strongly resonated with members of the upper castes, striking a chord with thousands who believe their voices have long been ignored. She claims to receive hundreds of messages of support every day. Her core team reflects her commitment to merit and excellence — comprising IITians, AIIMS doctors, esteemed lawyers, CEOs of multinational companies, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared vision of equality, development, and national progress.
Gratitude and Effect
Tiwari’s journey — from the daughter of a security guard to a successful businesswoman — resonates deeply with many, making her advocacy all the more powerful. People appreciate her efforts because she gives voice to the long-overlooked concerns of the General Category. Her firm stand for a merit-based system and sharp criticism of political parties that prioritize vote bank politics have struck a chord with those who feel sidelined. The Dharma Party of India’s mission to build a self-reliant General Category ecosystem and push for merit-driven policies is seen as a bold and timely move. While its long-term impact remains to be seen, it has undeniably sparked a new conversation around fairness, representation, and reform.
