'Regime Change' Row: Assam CM Warns of Anti-National Plot to Grab Power
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claims anti-national forces are plotting to overthrow the government, sparking a clash with advocate Prashant Bhushan.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sounded a loud alarm, alleging that "anti-national forces" are actively working to overthrow the current government through anarchist means. In a series of provocative claims, the Chief Minister suggested that those who have failed to win the public's mandate are now resorting to street protests to engineer a forced regime change and seize power by any means necessary.
The 'Regime Change' Allegation
Taking to the social media platform X, CM Sarma shared videos and urged the public to identify the individuals featured in them. He claimed that these individuals are part of a calculated game plan to destabilize the administration.
"Identify these faces—their game plan is clear: anti-national forces who cannot win the people's mandate are now on the streets to effectively engineer a REGIME CHANGE operation. Their only mission is to overthrow the Govt by anarchist means and grab power by book or crook," the Chief Minister wrote.
Sarma emphasized that India's democratic framework is too strong to be shaken by such attempts. He pointed toward the electoral success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the leader has been "blessed thrice" by the people of Bharat, which serves as a testament to the government's firm hold on public will.
A Call to Action
The Chief Minister called upon the citizens of India to stand together against these alleged forces. He asserted that the people of the country would provide a "strong answer" to any plans aimed at undermining the democratic government.
Prashant Bhushan Hits Back
The firestorm erupted after CM Sarma shared a video of senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. In the clip, Bhushan had called for a change in the government, alleging that the administration led by Narendra Modi is "hell-bent on crushing the electoral democracy" in the country.
Responding to the accusations, Prashant Bhushan held a press conference in the national capital to clarify his stance. He rejected the notion that the opposition is conducting a sinister "operation," arguing instead that his appeal was rooted in the protection of democratic values.
Democracy vs. Anarchy
Bhushan maintained that wanting a change in government is a fundamental democratic right and not a criminal offense. He argued that creating disaffection against a government is a legitimate part of a free society.
- On Regime Change: Bhushan stated, "Regime change is a democratic right of every citizen, and creating disaffection against the government is not an offence."
- On Electoral Democracy: He claimed that if "barbarism" continues and fundamental rights are played with, a regime change is not only desired but necessary.
- The Core Argument: He asserted that any government attempting to crush electoral democracy cannot be allowed to continue.
While the Chief Minister views these calls as an anarchist plot to grab power, the opposition and legal figures like Bhushan frame it as a necessary struggle to save the soul of Indian democracy.