Chidambaram Defends Call for Government Change as Democratic Process
P. Chidambaram asserts that changing government is a normal part of democracy, amid protests over alleged electoral misconduct.
New Delhi, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram defended the term “government change” on Saturday, describing it as a standard democratic process. He emphasized that it is the opposition’s role to remove the government through elections.
This statement came during ongoing protests in Delhi, where opposition leaders and student activists criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of “vote theft.” Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan remarked that the protest has evolved into a “fight for government change,” framing it as a “democratic right” of citizens. Neha Bora, president of the All India Students Association (AISA), praised the Gen Z movement in Bangladesh, claiming it serves as an inspiration for Indian youth, which sparked anger from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On social media platform X, Chidambaram questioned the BJP’s outrage over the term “regime change,” asserting that such a concept is normal in a democracy. He stated, “It is the opposition’s job to oppose the government, expose it, and remove it,” explaining that this involves political resistance, parliamentary accountability, and electoral action.
The BJP has interpreted these remarks as evidence that the opposition’s demands extend beyond mere protest, accusing them of attempting to destabilize India’s economy. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi expressed concern on Friday, stating that Congress and leftist parties, facing dwindling public support, are increasingly resorting to terms like “regime change,” which imply violent struggle or conspiracy against governments.
Despite this, protesters and opposition leaders continue to criticize Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the voter list. Congress Rajya Sabha member Pawan Khera claimed the ruling BJP is fearful of losing power, hence labeling calls for “government change” as “anti-national and anarchic.” He asserted that Congress is serious about changing the current regime and that it will indeed be accomplished.
