BJP blasts Congress over alleged links with anarchic elements in violent protests
Synopsis
The BJP has escalated its offensive against Congress and the INDIA bloc, citing a television sting operation it claims shows opposition links with anarchic elements and a 'regime change' blueprint. With BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia invoking remarks by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind's Mumbai chief and brandishing protest photographs, the ruling party is framing street unrest as a constitutional threat — a calculated move ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on 3 November 2026 accused Congress and the INDIA bloc of aligning with anarchic elements to fuel violent protests.
The BJP cited a sting operation by Times Now Nabharat channel involving Maulana Siraj Khan , Mumbai chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind .
Bhatia alleged the operation revealed a conspiracy for 'regime change' through destabilising tactics.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was directly targeted, with a photograph from recent Delhi protests cited as alleged evidence.
The BJP warned that the opposition's approach risks turning public opinion decisively against it.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress and opposition parties, accusing them of aligning with what it termed 'anarchic and radical elements' to fuel violent street protests across the country. The BJP alleged that a sting operation by a television channel had exposed what it described as a conspiracy to destabilise the government through orchestrated unrest.
What the BJP Said at the Press Conference
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said a 'disturbing' alliance between the Congress and anarchic elements had been brought to light, adding that the sting operation had validated what he called a 'popular perception' of behind-the-scenes coordination to amplify violent protests. He alleged the opposition harboured plans for 'regime change' through destabilising tactics.
Bhatia cited remarks attributed to Maulana Siraj Khan, identified as the Mumbai chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, who was reportedly captured on camera in the sting operation stating: 'The day a Momin stands up, no one will be able to control him.' The BJP spokesperson argued that Khan's reported support for INDIA bloc protests had brought 'uncomfortable truths' into the open.
BJP's Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
Bhatia, while waving a photograph from recent Delhi protests that allegedly showed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi touching a policewoman, alleged the image was evidence of what he termed Gandhi's 'poisonous thinking.' He claimed Gandhi had reportedly acknowledged a deliberate strategy around protest dynamics, though the BJP did not provide independent verification of the claim beyond the alleged sting footage.
'It shows how the Congress and other opposition parties, despite taking an oath in the name of the Constitution, harbour so much venom and hatred towards Bharat Mata in their hearts. They are like poisonous snakes,' Bhatia alleged.
The Sting Operation and Maulana Siraj Khan's Remarks
According to the BJP, the sting operation conducted by Times Now Nabharat news channel captured Maulana Siraj Khan making remarks that, the BJP argued, suggested the possibility of France-style 'loot and arson' during violent protests in India. The BJP held the Congress and the INDIA bloc responsible for what it described as 'emboldening' such elements.
Notably, the Congress and the INDIA bloc had not, as of Tuesday, issued a formal response to the BJP's specific allegations stemming from the sting operation.
BJP's Warning to the Opposition
Bhatia issued a pointed warning to opposition parties seeking what the BJP characterised as 'regime change.' 'Those seeking a regime change may instead see a situation where people in the country conclude that the Opposition is irresponsible and should look for an alternative. People will find their own way forward. Do not assume you will gain anything from this,' he said.
The BJP's broadside comes amid heightened political tensions over recent street protests and signals that the ruling party intends to press this line of attack ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Point of View
A religious figure's remarks, and a photograph of Rahul Gandhi into a single 'destabilisation' narrative. The timing matters: by framing street protests as constitutionally subversive rather than legitimate dissent, the BJP seeks to shift the burden of credibility onto the opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle. What is missing from the BJP's case is an independent verification of the sting's authenticity and context, which the ruling party has not addressed. Until the Congress formally responds and the sting's full footage is scrutinised, the claims remain politically explosive but factually unresolved.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did BJP's Gaurav Bhatia allege against Congress on 3 November 2026?
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Congress and the INDIA bloc had forged a 'disturbing' alliance with anarchic elements to organise violent street protests and pursue a 'regime change' agenda. He cited a sting operation by Times Now Nabharat as evidence, involving Maulana Siraj Khan of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind.
Who is Maulana Siraj Khan and what did he reportedly say?
Maulana Siraj Khan is identified as the Mumbai chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. According to the BJP, the Times Now Nabharat sting captured him stating 'The day a Momin stands up, no one will be able to control him,' and allegedly suggesting India could see France-style unrest. The BJP used these remarks to allege that the opposition was emboldening radical elements.
What is the INDIA bloc and why is it being targeted?
The INDIA bloc is a coalition of opposition parties, including the Congress, formed to contest the BJP in national and state elections. The BJP alleges the bloc has been coordinating with anarchic elements behind the scenes to amplify violent protests, a charge the coalition had not formally responded to as of Tuesday.
What did the BJP allege about Rahul Gandhi specifically?
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that a photograph from recent Delhi protests, purportedly showing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi touching a policewoman, was evidence of what he called Gandhi's 'poisonous strategy' around protest tactics. The BJP did not provide independent corroboration beyond the alleged sting footage.
Has Congress responded to the BJP's allegations?
As of Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the Congress and the INDIA bloc had not issued a formal response to the BJP's specific allegations stemming from the sting operation. The BJP's charges remain contested and unverified independently.
