Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal returned sharply at Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's allegations against the Congress, arguing that it was the people who wanted a change of government. Taking to social media, Sibal accused the ruling establishment of embracing corruption, capturing institutions and manipulating voter-lists, saying it was "time to go" for the government.
The row erupted after Singh criticized the Congress and its allies over protests in Delhi against alleged electoral irregularities. The defense minister had accused the Opposition of attempting to bring about a regime change similar to the political upheaval in Bangladesh and using the energy of young people to fuel unrest.
‘People Want Regime Change’: Sibal's Response
In a post to X, Sibal directly responded to Singh's accusation that Congress wanted 'regime change' the Bangladesh route.
"Rajnath Singh: You allege Congress wants 'regime change' the Bangladesh route. No. People want 'regime change',"
Sibal wrote, following the anti-corruption movement that preceded the BJP's rise to power. The Independent MP drew a contrast between its earlier political message and the government's record and concluded that it was "time to go".
"Protests with the slogan 'India against corruption' brought you power. Then: You embraced corruption; captured institutions; manipulated voters list. Time to go!" he pointed out.
Sibal's comments reignited the debate on electoral integrity, accountability and the functioning of constitutional institutions as political parties exchanged allegations over the protests and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
What Did Rajnath Singh Say?
On Friday, Singh criticized the Congress and its political allies during a press conference in Lucknow. He alleged that the Opposition was attempting to channel young people's energy towards political confrontation and spread anarchy instead of constructive work and nation-building.
"It appears that the Congress and its political allies, directly and through their supporting organizations, are trying to use the energy of the youth to fuel political confrontation and spread anarchy instead of channeling it towards constructive work and nation-building," Singh said.
He further claimed that young people were being "pawns in the politics of anarchy" and accused the Opposition of seeking a change of government along the lines of Bangladesh.
Political Row Over Protests and Electoral Integrity
The exchange comes amid protests in the national capital over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demands for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
While Singh accused the Opposition of undermining constitutional institutions and encouraging disorder, Sibal challenged the government's record on corruption and electoral processes.
The two speeches highlight the widening political confrontation over the Election Commission, voter-list revisions and the role of public protests in holding institutions accountable.