Jairam Thakur Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Delhi Protests

Jairam Thakur Rahul Gandhi remarks came amid the continuing political confrontation over opposition protests in Delhi, with the former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister accusing the Congress leader of trying to create an “atmosphere of anarchy” in pursuit of political power.

Speaking in Hamirpur, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said the Central government was acting responsibly and argued that maintaining law and order was a legitimate responsibility of the government.

#WATCH: Hamirpur | Former Himachal Pradesh CM and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur says, "The central government is working responsibly. Maintaining law and order is the government's responsibility. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders are trying to create an atmosphere of anarchy solely for the sake of power, and allowing them a free hand is not possible. He further says, "In a democracy, you must contest elections and win to come to power. The new model that Rahul Gandhi seems to have seen in Bangladesh, of creating such an atmosphere of anarchy, is something India will never accept."

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2026

Jairam Thakur Defends Centre’s Law-and-Order Measures

Thakur said:

“The central government is working responsibly. Maintaining law and order is the government's responsibility.”

He alleged that Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders were attempting to create disorder through their protest campaign and said authorities could not simply give protesters a “free hand”.

The remarks come against the backdrop of INDIA bloc demonstrations in Delhi over the Election Commission and alleged voter-list irregularities. Opposition leaders have been demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the BJP has accused the Congress of trying to create political chaos.

Thakur Says Power Must Come Through Elections

The former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister further argued that political power in a democracy must be secured by contesting and winning elections.

He said:

“In a democracy, you must contest elections and win to come to power.”

His comments were directed at the Congress leadership amid increasingly confrontational street protests in the national capital.

Bangladesh Comparison Draws Attention

The Jairam Thakur Rahul Gandhi statement also included a comparison with recent political developments in Bangladesh.

Thakur alleged:

“The new model that Rahul Gandhi seems to have seen in Bangladesh, of creating such an atmosphere of anarchy, is something India will never accept.”

This was a political characterisation by Thakur rather than an established factual description of Congress strategy.

Other BJP leaders have recently made similar comparisons, accusing the Congress of trying to create “Nepal- and Bangladesh-like anarchy” through its protests.

BJP and Congress Trade Charges Over Protests

The political row has intensified after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders participated in marches over alleged “vote chori” and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

During one protest, Gandhi and other leaders were stopped by police while attempting to march toward the Election Commission, leading to detentions and a prolonged standoff.

The BJP has described the protests as an attempt to undermine constitutional institutions, while the Congress and INDIA bloc maintain that they are seeking electoral accountability.

Jairam Thakur Backs Government’s Position

Thakur’s remarks underline the BJP’s broader defence of the government’s handling of the protests and its criticism of the Congress leadership.

The Jairam Thakur Rahul Gandhi exchange adds to the intensifying political debate over protest rights, electoral integrity and the role of law enforcement in managing large demonstrations.