Full Breakdown
Congress Leaders Counter BJP’s “Regime-Change” Claims and Call for Electoral Reforms
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Core Event – Congress Rebuts Regime-Change Allegations
On October 16, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the opposition’s aim is to replace the government through elections, responding to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s claim that Congress seeks a “Bangladesh-style” regime change. The next day, Congress leader V Hanumanth Rao in Hyderabad demanded a Backward Classes (BC) column in the pending caste census and accused the central government of undermining constitutional safeguards.
Background & Context
The BJP narrative, echoed by Telangana state president N Ramchander Rao, links Congress to foreign-funded unrest and alleged silence on anti-national remarks.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rajnath Singh warned that recent developments in Delhi raise serious questions about Congress’s role in inciting youth-led disorder and suggested internal dissent could weaken the NDA.
- V Hanumanth Rao argued that omitting a BC column denies OBC communities recognition, likening the issue to a “black day” surpassing the Emergency. He claimed the Chief Justice of India was removed from key selection processes, allowing the Prime Minister and Home Minister to influence appointments to the Election Commission, Enforcement Directorate, and CBI. Rao urged OBC voters, women, and youth to reject parties aligned with the NDA or RSS in upcoming elections.
Criticism & Opposition
He portrayed the opposition’s protests as a threat to constitutional order, suggesting the BJP’s stance aims to preserve democratic stability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The developments that have taken place in Delhi over the past few days raise several serious questions. It appears that the Congress and its political allies, both directly and through their affiliated organisations, are attempting to channel the energy of young people not into constructive activities and nation-building, but into instruments of political confrontation and the spread of chaos,” — Rajnath Singh
- “We are running a campaign 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd'. The entire country is saying this openly. We ourselves are reiterating our intent that we have to defeat this Govt and change this system.” — Pawan Khera
What’s Next
The press briefing on October 15 will see Rao continue his demand for a BC column and critique of appointment mechanisms. Both leaders say their campaigns will intensify ahead of the national elections, with Khera pledging to sustain the “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd” drive and Rao urging OBC voters to mobilise against the BJP-led alliance. The upcoming caste census and the Election Commission’s revision of electoral rolls remain focal points for political contestation.