Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says some politicians and 'anti-India gangs' planned Bangladesh- and France-style violence over the SIR protests
Outlook India, ANI and Asianet News reported that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Sunday, October 18, that some politicians and 'anti-India gangs' had planned to stir up violence in India during protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, comparing the plan to the unrest in Bangladesh and the riots in France. In a post on X he said India is neither Bangladesh nor France and that regime change is possible only through elections, not through George Soros, Outlook India reported. ANI quoted him as saying that some politicians colluded to incite youth and spread violence on the streets. OrissaPOST described the remarks as an allegation of a plot to dislodge the BJP-led government. Business Today and Gulf News reported that the protests demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The same protests are described in two opposite ways: the minister presents them as a vehicle for violence, and a protest supporter presents them as a defence of electoral democracy. Because the reports attribute the plot claim to the minister, readers should weigh it as an allegation until evidence is described, and that dispute shapes how the protests and the SIR are discussed.
If you read about the protests on social media, check whether a claim comes from the minister, a protest group or the Election Commission before you share it, and look for the outlet that carries the direct quote.
Rijiju's view, as reported by Outlook India and ANI: some politicians colluded to incite youth and spread violence, and change of government can come only through elections.
Prashant Bhushan's view, as reported by Outlook India: the protesters aim to protect electoral democracy, and he defended the call for a change of government.
Confirmed are that Rijiju made the allegation in a post on X on October 18 and that Bhushan defended the call for a change of government. Not reported is any evidence for the alleged plot. Watch today for a reply from the opposition or the protest groups and for any police statement on violence at the protests.
DailyDrop India edition No. 15 · Morning · MON., OCT. 19, 2026