Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 2: Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) national president Abhay Singh Chautala has stirred controversy by suggesting that India should witness movements similar to recent youth-led protests that toppled governments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In a widely circulated video, Chautala said, “In Sri Lanka, the way the youth of Bangladesh forced the government to leave the country, the way the youth of Nepal forced the government to leave the country, the same tactics will have to be implemented in India too to throw the present government out of power.”
The remarks drew sharp criticism from ruling party leaders. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called it a threat to the constitutional order and democratic norms, accusing opposition figures of adopting an “anti-constitutional, anti-India” mindset. He said such rhetoric undermines faith in India’s democratic processes and prioritises political gains over national interests.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also flagged an “anti-India narrative” among opposition leaders, citing Chautala’s statement and alleging that senior figures, including Rahul Gandhi, fuel narratives challenging the legitimacy of India’s political system.
Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishan Bedi questioned the credibility and ideological consistency of Chautala’s remarks, invoking the legacy of former Deputy Prime Minister Tau Devi Lal. He emphasised that democratic struggle should be respected rather than undermined.
Chautala’s comments referenced political upheavals in South Asia over the past few years. In Sri Lanka in 2022, youth-led protests erupted amid a severe economic crisis, forcing President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign. In Bangladesh in 2024, student protests against perceived discriminatory quotas escalated into nationwide demonstrations, culminating in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Similarly, in Nepal in 2025, youth-led demonstrations over a social media ban pressured Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down, leading to the appointment of an interim government.
The statements by Chautala have reignited debates over political rhetoric and the role of youth-led protests in influencing governance in South Asia.