Defence Minister accuses opposition of undermining democratic institutions; targets Rahul Gandhi over protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and SIR
Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led INDIA bloc, alleging that the opposition was attempting to bring about a regime change in India similar to the political upheaval that led to the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow alongside Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Singh criticised the ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Referring to remarks attributed to All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora about drawing inspiration from the Bangladesh protests, Singh alleged that the opposition was seeking to weaken 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 Rahul Gandhi and his associates to respect democratic institutions.
The Defence Minister also referred to recent Supreme Court observations, saying that respect for the law was essential to maintaining law and order. He asserted that constitutional institutions should not be compromised for political interests.
Rajnath Singh invokes Emergency and 1984 riots
Singh criticised the Congress over the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, describing it as an “unforgivable offence”. He also referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and accused the party of committing further political wrongs in subsequent years.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, Singh alleged that the Congress leader was attempting to create unrest while publicly carrying a copy of the Constitution.
Questions Congress over Election Commission appointments
Singh also raised questions about the Congress government’s handling of the Election Commission in 1993, when two additional Election Commissioners were appointed.
He cited a letter reportedly written by former Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami to the President recommending action against then Election Commissioner Navin Chawla over allegations of sharing sensitive information with Congress leaders.
According to Singh, the Congress protected Chawla and later paved the way for his appointment as Chief Election Commissioner because of his alleged proximity to the Nehru-Gandhi family.
The Defence Minister questioned the Congress’s current allegations of vote theft in light of its own record concerning the Election Commission.
The INDIA bloc and Congress have criticised the SIR exercise and raised concerns about electoral processes. Singh’s remarks came amid escalating political tensions over the Election Commission and the nationwide revision of electoral rolls.
