Speaking to India Today, Congress MP P. Chidambaram rejected allegations by BJP leaders regarding a Bangladesh-style regime change plot through street mobilization, stating, "We have never supported violent protests, nor do we aim to, uh, bring about a regime change through violence." He asserted that the Congress is a democratic party committed to Gandhian methods of protest, demonstration, and building public opinion against the government. Chidambaram also addressed the Election Commission's voter revision process, questioning the conduct of a summary revision instead of a special intensive revision across the remaining states and union territories, stating that both exercises cannot go together.
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Regime Change Row: Opposition Rebuts BJP Charges as Kapil Sibal Slams Rajnath Singh
A political war of words has intensified between the opposition and the Centre over allegations of seeking a regime change in India. Responding to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks claiming that the opposition is using youth to push for regime change via the Bangladesh route, Kapil Sibal countered that people want regime change democratically. Sibal highlighted issues such as corruption, the capturing of institutions like the ED and CBI, and manipulated voters lists, arguing it is time for the government to go. Drawing parallels to earlier India Against Corruption protests that brought the current regime to power, the opposition maintained that protests remain democratic and rejected comparisons to Bangladesh.
Delhi Police File Multiple FIRs, Scan CCTV Footage After October 16 Stir
Delhi Police has intensified its probe following the October 16 stir, registering multiple First Information Reports against unknown persons. The cases were filed after protests and a Tiranga Rally were carried out in Connaught Place and Mandi House, where over 150 people were detained by security personnel. The complaints invoke provisions regarding disruption of law and order, stopping public servants from performing official duties, and non-compliance with Section 160 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage and viral social media clips to identify violators who engaged in unlawful acts during the demonstration. While police stated that legal violators will be booked, no arrests have been made so far.
Infiltration Bid Foiled in Kupwara's Keran Sector, Army Launches Search Ops
Security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in the Keran sector of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. Alert army troops challenged a group of armed infiltrators attempting to enter under the cover of darkness near the Kalari area around early morning hours. The intervention triggered a brief five to ten-minute gunfight, following which the infiltrators retreated towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Additional troops were subsequently mobilized to carry out intensive search operations in the surrounding forest areas.
Regime Change Row: Congress Counters BJP, Protests Over CEC & Bangladesh Analogy Escalate
A major political row has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over calls for regime change. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram defended the term, asserting that regime change is entirely normal in a democracy and explaining that the role of an opposition is to oppose in politics, expose in Parliament, and depose through elections. The Congress maintained that seeking government change through democratic processes and elections aligns fully with democratic principles. In contrast, the ruling BJP, including Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Rajnath Singh, accused the opposition of using the youth as pawns to destabilise the government, drawing comparisons to violent protests and regime changes witnessed in Bangladesh and Nepal. Demonstrators have also sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while opposition leaders like Pawan Khera and P. Chidambaram insisted that the protests remain rooted in legitimate, democratic methods to hold the incumbent regime accountable.

