The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, 3 November launched a blistering attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and fostering anarchy in the country. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that leaders linked to the Indian National Congress and other Opposition parties were connected to violent protests.

Bhatia's Core Allegations

Bhatia did not mince words, describing Gandhi and his allies as what he called “sources of anarchy.” He invoked a popular cultural reference to drive home his point, saying the Leader of Opposition harboured a power-at-any-cost mentality.

“People are discussing that these sources of anarchy, whose leader is LoP Rahul Gandhi, have had their real model exposed. There is a very popular series in which the main character is also obsessed with power. He says, ‘I want to sit on the throne. I will sit on the throne, even if the entire country has to burn for it.’ This is the thinking of the LoP, and I am ashamed to call him LoP. He believes in anarchism. That is why people call him Bhasmasur,” Bhatia said.

He further stated that Gandhi had “become a leader who is strangling democracy, killing it and wants to bring anarchy,” adding that senior BJP leaders, including its National President, had undertaken a padyatra under the slogan ‘Loktantra bachao, Arajakta hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy), with Union Home Minister also participating in a foot march.

Allegations Against Opposition-Linked Figures

Bhatia alleged that certain individuals associated with Congress and other Opposition parties were actively participating in violent protests. He named Maulana Siraj Khan, identified as the Mumbai chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, citing what he described as a sting operation that had captured remarks with allegedly incendiary implications.

Quoting Khan, Bhatia said: “Maulana Siraj Khan is the Mumbai chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. He says, and I quote, ‘The day a Momin stands up, no one will be able to control him.’” Bhatia alleged the remarks referenced violent protests akin to those witnessed in France, including looting and arson, though it could not be independently verified how the remarks were obtained or their full context.

He further alleged: “Those seeking regime change may instead see a situation where people in the country conclude that the opposition is irresponsible and should be removed.” He warned that Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Tejashwi Yadav risked damaging their own political careers through such conduct.

Political Context

The press conference comes amid a broader BJP campaign to frame the Opposition’s protest activities as unconstitutional and destabilising. The party has stepped up its rhetoric in recent weeks, with senior leaders drawing a sharp contrast between what they describe as BJP’s democratic outreach through padyatras and what they allege is Opposition-backed agitation.

Notably, Congress and allied parties have consistently denied any link to violence, asserting that their protests are constitutionally protected. Neither Gandhi’s office nor Congress responded publicly to Tuesday’s press conference at the time of this report.

Warning to Opposition Leaders

Bhatia closed with a direct political warning, alleging that Gandhi, Banerjee, and Yadav were courting electoral backlash. “People will find their own way forward. Do not assume you will gain anything from this,” he said, suggesting that the electorate would ultimately hold the Opposition accountable for what the BJP characterises as irresponsible conduct.

The BJP’s escalating rhetoric signals that the party intends to keep the anarchy narrative at the centre of its political messaging in the weeks ahead.