Full Breakdown
Political Row Over “Regime Change” Claims Escalates Ahead of Electoral Roll Review
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 18 2026, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that “anti-India gangs and some politicians” plotted a conspiracy to incite street violence, likening it to unrest in Bangladesh and France. The claim was posted on X with a video montage of opposition figures discussing “regime change.” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor rejected the comparison, saying the opposition seeks free and fair elections and peaceful protest.
Background & Context
The dispute arises from protests in Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, intended to clean voter lists. Opposition parties—including the Congress, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Left groups—have called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the SIR removed large numbers of legitimate voters. The ruling BJP has framed the protests as an attempt at “regime change” inspired by movements abroad.
Timeline
- Oct 17 2026 – Rijiju posts on X, declaring “India is not Bangladesh” and warning against “regime change” conspiracies.
- Oct 18 2026 – Rijiju reiterates the allegation, stating any change of government must occur through elections.
- Oct 19 2026 – Tharoor, speaking to ANI, emphasizes peaceful protest, rejects the “regime change” label and calls the SIR deletions “troublesome, irregular, and partially illegal.”
Data & Statistics
- The Indian Express reports that the SIR exercise has led to the removal of more than 13 crore (130 million) names from draft electoral rolls across 30 states and Union Territories.
- Opposition leaders describe the deletions as “large numbers of people” being cut from the rolls, without providing a precise figure beyond the 13 crore estimate.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rijiju linked the alleged plot to statements by activist Prashant Bhushan and student leader Neha Bora.
- Shashi Tharoor countered that the opposition is not seeking to topple the government but is demanding constitutional reforms and highlighted citizens’ role as custodians of democracy.
Criticism & Opposition
- BJP leaders have repeatedly named George Soros and the Open Society Foundations as possible backers of the alleged conspiracy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- While the Indian Express cites “more than 13 crore” deletions, other outlets refer only to “large numbers of people,” leaving the exact scale of the SIR impact unverified.
- No public evidence has been presented to substantiate Rijiju’s claim of a coordinated conspiracy involving “anti-India gangs,” and his posts lack concrete details beyond the Bangladesh and France analogies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that India is not Bangladesh and India is not France. I don't see these analogies as particularly relevant...” — Shashi Tharoor
- “Look at these people, trying to bring about a regime change. Listen carefully: India is not Bangladesh.” — Kiren Rijiju
What’s Next
- The opposition continues to demand reversal of the SIR deletions and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- The Election Commission maintains that the SIR aims to ensure no ineligible persons remain on the rolls, but it has not announced any revision to the process.
- Political leaders from both the BJP and the opposition are expected to address the issue in upcoming parliamentary sessions, though no specific dates have been scheduled.