BJP wants to remain in power ‘forever’ by capturing institutions, Opposition alleges

The Opposition on Saturday (October 17, 2026) pushed back against the ruling party’s narrative that street protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were aimed at a Bangladesh-like regime change by creating anarchy. 

“In a functional democracy, the Opposition seeks to replace the regime through institutional mechanisms such as free and fair elections, a free media, and the mobilisation of public opinion. This is a regime that seeks to defy public opinion and stay in power forever. The people of India will remove this regime from power,” Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal said in a post on social media platform X.

“The violation of democracy lies not in seeking a change of regime, but in the intent of a regime to stay in power forever by hook or by crook,” Mr. Venugopal added.

The BJP has sought to portray the Opposition’s protests as an attempt to destabilise the elected government. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Opposition of pursuing a politics of regime change, drawing parallels with the political upheaval in Bangladesh. 

The Opposition has rejected the charge, arguing that its agitation against alleged electoral irregularities and the SIR exercise is a democratic form of resistance.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh challenged the BJP to explain its opposition to the demand for regime change, asking whether it would agree not to contest Assembly elections in Punjab or any other Opposition-ruled State.

“We are not on the streets to celebrate [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi’s birthday party. We are not facing lathis and going to jails to organise a party for Mr. Modi. We are here to seek regime change and our slogan is vote chor, gaddi chhor (vote thief, vacate the seat),” Mr. Singh said in a video posted on his X account.

The AAP leader said Mr. Modi was not an emperor who would rule the country forever.

“If you [the BJP] are so large-hearted, why are you contesting [Assembly] elections in Punjab? You are contesting to effect a regime change. Else, declare that you will run a group to sing bhajans in Punjab or will not contest elections in States where you are not in power,” Mr. Singh said.

Endorsing his stance on X, Derek O’Brien, who leads the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha, said: “Fellow Parliamentarian, always on point.”