New Delhi: Political rhetoric has intensified in India regarding the protests against Special Intensive Review (SIR) in London. After YouTuber Dhruv Rathi joined the protest, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju targeted him and the people associated with the protest. Rijiju shared the video of the protest on social media on Monday and alleged that Congress flags were seen along with the flags of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in London. Linking it to anti-India activities, he said that such demonstrations cannot scare the patriotic citizens of the country. However, claims regarding the presence of the flags and the roles of those involved in the display need to be independently verified.
What did Rijiju say about the London demonstration?
Rijiju made sharp remarks on the protesters in a social media post. He claimed that people associated with anti-India activities in London are working at the behest of a YouTuber who calls himself an Indian. This comment of the Minister is being seen in the context of the presence of Dhruv Rathi. After his post, the political debate regarding this demonstration has intensified. However, it is important to distinguish between the allegations made by the minister and the alleged objectives of the protesters. Conclusions about a person’s intentions or activities cannot be drawn simply from attending a demonstration.
Congress party flags with the flags of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Pakistan in London! These people think that gatherings of Anti-India gangs in London will intimidate the patriotic Indians. भारत कभी नहीं झुकेगा और भारत को भारत-विरोधी ताकतें कभी तोड़ नहीं सकतीं। https://t.co/7ps8gtak03
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 19, 2026
Why was the protest organised against SIR?
Preparations were made for a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London on 16 October, while later reports refer to the organisation of the demonstration in the context of events on and around 17 October. Dhruv Rathi, associated with the UK unit of the Students Federation of India, also participated in this protest. The protesters raised questions about the Special Intensive Revision of Voter List (SIR) and the electoral process in India. Their demands are also said to include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters allege that there are serious questions regarding the deletion of names from the voter list and transparency in the electoral process. The debate on these allegations continues between political parties and related organisations.
What did Rijiju say about the conspiracy to change power in India?
Even before reacting to the London protests, Rijiju has been attacking the opposition parties. On Sunday, while mentioning the change of power in Bangladesh and violent incidents in France, he had alleged that efforts are being made to create similar unrest in India. He had said that India is neither Bangladesh nor France. It is clear from the minister’s statement that the government is raising political and security concerns regarding such protests. However, whether independent evidence has emerged to corroborate his claims of a conspiracy to commit violence or regime change in India is a matter for separate investigation.
Will this controversy increase the conflict between the Center and the Opposition?
The protest in London has further intensified the debate over the electoral process in India, the revision of electoral rolls and the practice of political protest. On one hand, protesters are raising questions over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, while central government ministers are linking it to anti-India activities. Rijiju’s claims regarding Congress flags and flags of Pakistan and PoK have also become part of the controversy. Without independent verification of these claims, it would not be appropriate to consider them as established facts. At present, this controversy is not limited to SIR only, but it has also sparked a new debate on political opposition, the image of the country and the right to raise Indian issues abroad.
