New Delhi, 16 October (H.S.): The Congress on Friday responded to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks on “regime change”, stating that seeking a change of government through elections is a legitimate part of the democratic process. Pawan Khera, chairman of the Congress media and publicity department and a Rajya Sabha member, said the opposition had a responsibility to question the government, examine its policies and seek political change through constitutional and democratic means.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters on Thursday, Khera said that changing a government through elections was a normal feature of democracy. He maintained that the opposition’s role included raising public concerns, highlighting policy shortcomings and presenting an alternative to voters.

Referring to former President Pranab Mukherjee’s views on the role of the opposition, Khera said that opposing the government, drawing attention to its shortcomings and seeking a change in leadership through elections were part of the democratic process. He said the Congress was exercising these responsibilities and called for a distinction between democratic political activity and actions that violate the law.

Khera also raised questions about the ongoing public debate concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He said concerns had been expressed over several days and called for greater clarity on the issues being raised. He further asked the government to clarify its position on the demand for Kumar’s removal from office.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, had said that the opposition’s campaign was not limited to electoral reforms, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls or the issue concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He alleged that the opposition was seeking to gain power by creating disorder in the country.

Singh also expressed concern that young people could be drawn into confrontational politics and referred to discussions about a change of government similar to the developments in Bangladesh.

The exchange reflects differing views between the ruling party and the opposition over the nature of their political activities, electoral reforms and the appropriate limits of political mobilisation within a democratic system.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar