BJP Questions Congress Over ‘Regime Change’ Claims, Alleges Payments to Delhi Protesters

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its attack on the Congress over the ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, questioning the Opposition's alleged “regime change” agenda and financial support for demonstrators. The controversy comes amid a wider political confrontation over electoral roll revisions, the role of the Election Commission and demands for accountability.

BJP Targets Congress Over ‘Regime Change’ Remarks

BJP leaders have accused the Congress and other Opposition groups of attempting to destabilise the government through protests. The ruling party's criticism follows remarks by lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan concerning the objective behind the demonstrations. Congress's Aim is to Change Govt Through Elections: Pawan Khera Hit out at Rajnath Singh's 'regime Change' Charge.

The BJP has argued that attempts to change an elected government should take place through democratic elections rather than street protests. Its leaders have also raised questions about the alleged funding of demonstrations. These remain political allegations, and claims of wrongdoing should be distinguished from established facts.

BJP Alleges Protesters Were Paid Rs 6,000–Rs 10,000

BJP Himachal Pradesh state general secretary Sanjeev Katwal alleged that social media claims suggested some protesters in Delhi were paid between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000 and instructed to wear black coats. Katwal said the allegations required independent verification and called on the Congress leadership to clarify its position. He also demanded an impartial investigation into the claims.

The BJP leader further raised concerns over an alleged incident involving an NSUI worker and a woman police officer, calling for accountability in cases of alleged misconduct against police personnel. Katwal also questioned Rahul Gandhi over the Congress leadership's position on the allegations and the application of the law. Chidambaram Hits Back at BJP over 'regime Change' Remark, Says Opposition's Duty to "oppose, Expose, Depose' Government.

Congress Defends Protests, Rejects BJP's Political Narrative

The Congress has maintained that opposing the government and seeking a change in power through democratic institutions are legitimate political activities. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the Opposition seeks to replace the government through institutional mechanisms, including free and fair elections, a free media and public mobilisation. He accused the BJP of attempting to retain power by exercising control over institutions.

Karnataka Congress leader B K Hariprasad also defended financial support for agitations aimed at protecting democracy and the Constitution, saying the party had the right to contribute to such movements. His remarks came amid allegations by BJP and JD(S) leaders that the Congress was funding the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Protests Against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

The political confrontation comes amid protests by the CJP, student organisations and Opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protesters have raised concerns about alleged irregularities in voter-list revisions and demanded accountability from the poll body. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions were unanimous, according to reports.

The demonstrations have also triggered a dispute over police action against protesters. CJP co-convenors Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were sent to five days of judicial custody after an incident at Jantar Mantar, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was subsequently released on conditional bail.

The latest exchange highlights the widening political divide over the protests, with the BJP questioning the Opposition's motives and the Congress defending demonstrations as part of democratic opposition. Allegations regarding payments to protesters and attempts to destabilise the government remain matters requiring independent verification.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2026 07:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).