Nagpur, Nov 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched a strong attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to undermine India's democratic institutions and the Constitution as part of what he described as an “international conspiracy” aimed at bringing about regime change in the country.
Addressing a ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ march organised by the BJP and its Mahayuti allies, Fadnavis alleged that Rahul Gandhi and his associates were targeting constitutional institutions because they could not openly criticise the Constitution itself.
The Chief Minister said the rally had been organised to protect democracy and warned the opposition against issuing threats of street protests.
“We have organised this mega rally with the slogan ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’. Today, we have gathered to protect democracy. Rahul Gandhi and his allies are targeting democracy and the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi, you had issued a threat of fighting on the streets. Remember, this is Dr Babasaheb’s Constitution, and we are fully capable of fighting on the streets as well,” he said.
Fadnavis added that the BJP and its supporters would respond with an even larger mobilisation if challenged.
“No matter how large a number you come in, we will come onto the streets in an even greater number to show you — this is the roar of India,” he said.
The Chief Minister went on to allege that an international group was working under Rahul Gandhi's leadership to bring about a fundamental change in India's political and democratic structure. He claimed that the opposition's objective went beyond replacing an elected government and involved dismantling the existing democratic framework.
“They want a regime change. Their idea of regime change is not just a change of government, but a complete overhaul of India’s democratic framework. They want to dismantle democracy and establish an ultra-left system. Rahul Gandhi is leading this international faction,” Fadnavis alleged.
Referring to the Emergency imposed in 1975, Fadnavis accused the Congress of having a history of undermining constitutional rights. He recalled that Dr B.R. Ambedkar had considered fundamental rights among the most important features of the Constitution.
Questioning the Congress's record, he said the Indira Gandhi government had taken away citizens' rights during the Emergency. He also accused the party of repeatedly interfering with constitutional institutions and the Supreme Court.
Fadnavis also questioned Rahul Gandhi's use of a red-coloured copy of the Constitution during his public appearances, contrasting it with the blue Constitution associated with Dr Ambedkar.
“Where did Rahul Gandhi bring this red Constitution from? Babasaheb had warned us about this red flag. Babasaheb stated in his speech that my Constitution faces a threat from the red flag,” he said.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the opposition was attempting to weaken public confidence in constitutional institutions by questioning their ability to deliver justice. According to him, such criticism could eventually create the impression that the Constitution itself needed to be changed.
Drawing comparisons with political developments in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, Fadnavis warned that attempts to destabilise constitutional systems could have serious consequences. He said Rahul Gandhi should remember that efforts to undermine the Constitution could ultimately backfire.
In the concluding part of his address, Fadnavis turned to the opposition's criticism of electoral rolls and the removal of names during voter-list revision. He alleged that the Congress lacked confidence in the support of genuine voters and was therefore questioning the electoral process.
He also accused the opposition of demanding the re-inclusion of deceased persons' names in electoral rolls and objecting to the removal of names allegedly belonging to Bangladeshi infiltrators.
“Today, we have taken to the streets to save democracy. But remember, Rahul Gandhi is attempting to bring about a regime change in the country backed by an international conspiracy. If we do not wake up now, they will destroy India’s democracy,” Fadnavis said.
The Congress has not been quoted responding to the allegations in the account of the rally.
