Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Oct 16: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday accused the Congress-led INDIA bloc of attempting to destabilise India by using protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive as a pretext for political unrest.
Addressing a press conference in Lucknow alongside Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Singh alleged that the Congress and its allies were trying to channel the energy of young people towards political confrontation rather than nation-building. He claimed that the opposition was seeking regime change along the lines of the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.
Singh referred to remarks by All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, who reportedly said the protesters drew inspiration from the Bangladesh demonstrations. He alleged that the opposition alliance was attempting to undermine democratic institutions and create unrest in the country.
“Democracy is not a licence to spread chaos, undermine the credibility of constitutional institutions, or obstruct India’s development journey,” Singh said, urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his associates to respect the public mandate.
The Defence Minister also referred to the Supreme Court’s recent remarks, stating that respect for the law was essential to maintaining order and that constitutional institutions should not be undermined for political interests.
Taking aim at the Congress over historical events, Singh described the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 as an “unforgivable offence”. He also criticised the party over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and its political decisions in 1990.
Singh alleged that protests over electoral reforms and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were being used by the INDIA bloc as a means to create unrest and gain political power. He called on Rahul Gandhi to respect the public mandate and introspect on his political role.
The remarks come amid continued protests by opposition parties, INDIA bloc leaders and student organisations against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise.