Kangana Ranaut Slams 'Regime Change' Talk, Says India Needs Modi More Than Ever
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut slams opposition 'regime change' rhetoric, citing global unrest to emphasize the need for PM Modi's strong leadership.
BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has launched a scathing attack on the opposition's rhetoric regarding "regime change," asserting that the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now more critical for India than ever before. Speaking in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the actor-turned-politician warned that unstable governance in a volatile world could lead to disastrous consequences.
Global Chaos as a Warning
Drawing parallels with international events, Ranaut pointed toward recent civil unrest in France as a cautionary tale. She highlighted the violence and destruction witnessed there, where she claimed everything was "looted" and "set ablaze," to argue that strong governance is the only shield against such anarchy.
Ranaut characterized the current global climate as being reminiscent of a "third world war," suggesting that in such an unpredictable era, India cannot afford the instability that comes with the "regime change" narratives being pushed by political opponents.
The 'Regime Change' Firestorm
The controversy stems from a broader political debate triggered by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. Bhushan had recently described the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as a "fight for regime change," arguing that expressing disaffection toward a government is a democratic right and not a criminal offense.
Adding to the discourse, AISA President Neha Bora referenced the Gen Z-led movements in Bangladesh, further fueling the debate over how leadership transitions occur in modern democracies.
The Political Tug-of-War
The rhetoric has split the political landscape into two sharp camps:
- The BJP Position: Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the "regime change" language, labeling it as "forceful, violent, and undemocratic." He called upon those who believe in democratic processes to stand united against "anarchists."
- The Congress Position: Leader KC Venugopal countered these claims, stating that the opposition only seeks to replace the government through legitimate institutional means, such as free elections and media scrutiny. He further accused the BJP of trying to capture national institutions to cling to power.
Condolences for Kolkata Tragedy
Beyond the political sparring, Kangana Ranaut used her visit to Raipur to address a recent tragedy in West Bengal. She expressed her deep condolences following a devastating stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, which claimed 19 lives. Ranaut urged citizens to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution during the festive celebrations to prevent further loss of life.