Shashi Tharoor Rejects BJP’s Regime Change Claims
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday, October 19, 2026, rejected allegations that opposition parties were attempting to destabilise the Indian government through street protests. Responding to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comparisons with unrest in Bangladesh and France, Tharoor maintained that the opposition supported peaceful demonstrations and was demanding free and fair elections rather than an unconstitutional change of government.
Shashi Tharoor Rejects BJP’s Regime Change Allegations
Tharoor questioned the relevance of comparisons between India’s political protests and violent disturbances overseas. He emphasised that opposition parties did not endorse arson, attacks on police stations or other forms of violence.
The Congress leader argued that demands for electoral accountability should not be interpreted as attempts to overthrow the government. He described the controversy as a constitutional disagreement concerning electoral processes and democratic institutions.
Kiren Rijiju Alleges Conspiracy Behind India Protests
The exchange followed allegations by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju that certain political figures and groups were attempting to provoke unrest similar to incidents in Bangladesh and France.
Rijiju claimed that efforts were underway to encourage violence under the pretext of political demonstrations. He maintained that changes in India’s government must occur through elections.
The controversy intensified after senior advocate Prashant Bhushan referred to protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as a struggle for regime change.
Tharoor Questions Election Commission Over Voter Rolls
Tharoor defended opposition concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
He alleged that substantial numbers of voters had been removed through an irregular process and called for corrective measures to protect electoral rights.
The Congress MP stressed that questioning the Election Commission’s conduct did not amount to challenging its constitutional existence.
The disagreement reflects growing political tensions over electoral transparency, protest rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
