Senior Advocate Praises Protest as Democratic Right to Change Regime

Senior lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan joined the chorus of voices defending recent Delhi demonstrations that centre on alleged vote‑theft. Speaking at a press briefing, Bhushan described the gathering as a “fight to change the regime” and underscored that such civic engagement is a constitutionally guaranteed democratic right.

He pointed out that the protesters, which include opposition politicians and student activists, are exercising their duty to hold the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accountable for perceived lapses in electoral integrity.

Bhushan’s remarks aligned with statements from Congress leader P Chidambaram, who earlier posted on X that the BJP’s theatrical outrage over the term “regime change” is unfounded. Chidambaram reiterated that the opposition’s role is to oppose, expose and eventually remove a government through the electoral process.

The BJP has countered by suggesting that the opposition’s demands are exaggerated and aimed at destabilising the country’s economy. National spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi warned that language like “regime change” can be a euphemism for violent upheaval, conspiracies and foreign interference, warning that such rhetoric is gaining ground in Indian politics.

In addition, All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora lauded Bangladesh’s Jan Jatiya movement, asserting that it serves as an inspiration for Indian youth, a comment that reportedly irked senior BJP officials.

The protests have kept the conversation focused on alleged irregularities in voter‑list updates and the broader role of the Election Commission, with opposition leaders maintaining pressure ahead of forthcoming elections.