Advocate Prashant Bhushan on Thursday (October 15) openly declared that the ongoing protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were also driven by the demand for regime change, arguing that seeking a change of government was a legitimate democratic right.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Bhushan made his position clear when asked about the demand for a change in government.
“There will definitely be a regime change. We all want a regime change. Is there anything wrong with that?” he said.
Delhi: Advocate Prashant Bhushan says, "There will definitely be a regime change. We all want a regime change. Is there anything wrong with that?…" https://t.co/vUDowEBAI8
— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2026
Bhushan dismissed the suggestion that calling for regime change was inherently objectionable, pointing out that the BJP had also organised protests demanding a change of government when it was in the Opposition.
“BJP protested multiple times for regime change, and then they say they are teaching conspiracy for regime change,” he said.
He further argued that citizens have a constitutional right to seek the removal of an elected government through democratic means. Referring to judicial observations on sedition, Bhushan maintained that criticism of the government or the expression of disaffection cannot, by itself, be treated as a criminal offence in the absence of incitement to violence or public disorder.
His remarks effectively placed the demand for regime change alongside the stated objections to the Election Commission’s SIR exercise and the conduct of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke attacks Delhi security arrangements
Bhushan’s remarks came amid the continuing political confrontation over the protests, with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke also criticising the security arrangements in the national capital.
At a press conference, Dipke alleged that the heavy deployment of security personnel and restrictions on movement had disrupted normal life in Delhi. He claimed that students and young protesters had faced police action and alleged that Opposition leaders who joined the demonstrations were detained.
Dipke named Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal and Pinarayi Vijayan among the political leaders he claimed had been detained.
He also questioned the security arrangements surrounding Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission chief was helping Prime Minister Narendra Modi win elections.
“If he is not helping him win elections, why is Narendra Modi providing him with so much protection?” Dipke asked.
The CJP and other organisations have called on people to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place on Saturday and wave the national flag. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also backed the call, according to ANI.
BJP accuses protesters of attempting to spread anarchy
The BJP hit back at Bhushan and other protesters, with national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accusing them of attempting to spread anarchy and provoke unrest. Bhatia said that appeals asking the Army and police to take to the streets amounted to an attempt to incite unlawful action.
The Supreme Court also heard petitions relating to several issues arising from the protests on Thursday, including alleged police excesses, restrictions affecting public transport, the treatment of journalists and lawyers, and objections concerning the electoral roll revision.
