BJP says Rahul Gandhi wants 'regime change' after AISA leader praises Bangladesh's Gen-Z protests

The BJP on Thursday accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of trying to force a change of government, seizing on remarks by Neha Bora, the student leader who has become one of the most visible faces of the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Bora, president of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), praised Bangladesh’s Gen-Z movement while speaking on Wednesday and said it had inspired young people in India. “Congratulations to you for showing us the way,” she said. Addressing the sixth national conference of the Socialist Students’ Front, she added: “We present you our red salute.”

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said her words showed what the opposition campaign was really about. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress ecosystem “want to bring about regime change” rather than pursue political resistance, he said, adding that the Leader of the Opposition’s intention was to “destroy Indian democracy”.

Bhandari also pointed to what he said were remarks by advocate Prashant Bhushan about a “revolution in which blood will flow”, and argued they were part of a wider effort to undermine India’s democratic system.

Why Bora matters to both sides

Bora has led student protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and has demanded the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. On Tuesday she was among the speakers at the high tea Rahul Gandhi hosted at his home for INDIA bloc leaders, opposition MPs, student groups and civil society members, where Gandhi said “political resistance will continue and it will triumph”.

No response from the Congress or AISA to Bhandari’s remarks had been reported by Thursday afternoon.