Delhi Protests Over Election Commission Face Police Crackdown as Regime Change Row Escalates

A major political confrontation has erupted in New Delhi over protests directed against the Special Intensive Revision and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police detained Citizens for Justice and Peace founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the planned Tiranga Protest, alongside ISA President Neha Bora at Mandi House. The detentions followed controversy surrounding remarks referencing regime change and drawing comparisons to student demonstrations in Bangladesh. The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the opposition and activists, accusing them of attempting to destabilise the country, generate unrest, and seize power through anarchy using young demonstrators. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh alleged that the agitations are a pretext to create chaos rather than an effort addressing youth interests or electoral rolls. In response, the Congress defended its position, stating that seeking a regime change through democratic elections is legitimate, noting that similar anti-government agitations occurred during the United Progressive Alliance tenure.