Trivedi alleges regime change plot amid anti-SIR protests (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday accused certain opposition groups of using public demands as a cover for what he described as a conspiracy to destabilise India and bring about “regime change” through violence and calculated planning.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vijayadashami address, Trivedi alleged that these forces were driven by three objectives: exploiting power for personal gain, dividing society and spreading hostility towards Indian culture and religion.
“These are the forces that seek to divide society, plunder state resources, and harbor animosity toward Indian culture and the Hindu faith. They organize conferences calling for the 'eradication of Sanatan Dharma,' spearhead global campaigns to 'dismantle Hindutva,' and propagate misleading narratives about India’s institutions. These are the very forces that do not wish to see India progress,” he said.
Trivedi questioned what he described as repeated allegations and demands concerning institutions such as the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), State Bank of India (SBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He also referred to controversies surrounding vaccines, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls.
Comparing these demands to Ravana’s ten heads, the BJP MP argued that addressing one issue would only lead to another being raised.
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“In reality, much like Ravana, who possessed ten heads, if one head were severed, another would immediately emerge. Their demands are similar: satisfy one demand, and another will promptly take its place.”
He further alleged that the language used across different protests and campaigns pointed to a common political objective. Drawing a parallel with Ravana disguising himself as an ascetic before abducting Sita, Trivedi claimed that some groups were concealing their intentions behind seemingly legitimate demands.
“In the Ramayana, when Ravana arrived to abduct Mata Sita, he did not appear in his true, demonic form, but rather disguised himself as an ascetic. Today, various forces are operating under such disguises, cloaked in deception. Their true objective is not the specific demands they present... their singular goal is 'regime change' through violent conflict and calculated conspiracy,” he said.
Trivedi also criticised those claiming to represent the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, alleging that they had aligned themselves with forces opposed to Indian religion and culture.
“It is truly bizarre that those who claim to be the rightful heirs to the legacy of the highly revered Balasaheb Thackeray have now aligned themselves with the very forces that seek to destroy our religion and culture, and they state this with great conviction that 'Let him come from Vietnam, then 'regime change' will happen',” he said.
The BJP MP also questioned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s statements about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking what information Raut possessed that even senior Congress leaders allegedly did not know.
“What is this 'lead,' this 'secret,' or this 'information' that Sanjay Raut possesses regarding Rahul Gandhi, something that even the Congress party's own leaders are unaware of? What kind of conspiratorial threads are these?” he asked.
Trivedi also linked remarks about a “hydrogen bomb” and a predicted “tsunami” following overseas visits to what he alleged was a broader attempt to create unrest in India. He suggested that unidentified forces, including entities operating from across the border, could be involved.
“Whether it is talk of dropping a 'hydrogen bomb' upon returning from abroad, or predicting a 'tsunami' after such a visit, and now these remarks by Sanjay Raut, all of this suggests that these actions are being orchestrated by unknown, suspicious entities, forces from across the border that seek to incite unrest within our nation,” he said.
Trivedi expressed confidence that the alleged attempt to bring about “regime change” would fail under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing public support for the government and what he described as a commitment to the country.
The remarks come amid a political dispute over the use of the phrase “regime change” by opposition leaders and student activists involved in protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations centre on alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora and Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera have used or discussed the phrase during conferences and press briefings linked to the protests.
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Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had earlier backed calls for a change of government, arguing that people denied the opportunity to express their views through elections and protests would be left with no alternative but to seek political change.
The BJP also stepped up its criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday over his alleged visit to Vietnam during the opposition protests. The party shared a video on X that purportedly showed Gandhi aboard a flight to Vietnam, adding another flashpoint to the political confrontation over the SIR issue.
