New Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that the ruling BJP is rapidly losing its grip on authority, challenging whether key National Democratic Alliance partners like Chandrababu Naidu, Eknath Shinde, and the JD(U) will maintain their support for the government. While the BJP remains the single largest party in the Lok Sabha, its tally of 240 seats falls short of the 272 majority threshold, making it reliant on allies such as the TDP, JD(U), and the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde.
Khera's remarks came in response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's accusation that the Congress and its opposition partners were trying to orchestrate a Bangladesh-style regime change by inciting public unrest. Khera countered that the primary goal of the opposition is indeed to defeat the government and change the regime, emphasizing that doing so through elections is a core constitutional duty. He added that anyone angered by this democratic objective is working against the constitution and is unaccustomed to democratic processes.
During a press conference addressing the ongoing political storm, Khera also claimed that a planned cabinet reshuffle had stalled because several ministers reportedly refused to step down. He further criticized the Election Commission, alleging that poll officials were in a state of panic following opposition campaigns and revelations concerning electoral irregularities. Accusing the commission of failing to protect voting rights during past elections in Bihar and Bengal, Khera stated that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would eventually have to step down.
Referring back to the discussions surrounding Bangladesh and national identity, Khera took a jab at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by remarking that India possesses its own historic icons and has no need to borrow them.