Objective is regime change: BJP on Neha Bora's 'Bangladesh showed way' video

AISA chief Neha Bora, who has emerged as one of the most prominent student faces amid the recent SIR protests, credited the Gen Z uprising in Bangladesh for 'showing us the way'. It has invited massive criticism from the BJP.Prashant Bhushan, Neha Bora and Abhijeet DipkeNew Delhi,Oct 15, 2026 18:44 ISTThe BJP has used the 'regime change' bogey to attack Rahul Gandhi by latching onto two controversial remarks by AISA president Neha Bora and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Bora, who has emerged as one of the most prominent student faces amid the recent SIR protests, recently credited the Gen Z uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 for "showing us the way". A day later, Bhushan openly pitched for a "regime change" as he addressed a joint press conference with Bora and the Cockroach Janta Party's Abhijeet Dipke.The remarks have given the BJP fresh ammo to hit out at Rahul, whose recent street protests over alleged SIR irregularities have been attended by both Bora and Bhushan. In fact, Bora has also been a regular feature at INDIA bloc meetings. The BJP alleged that Rahul and his "ecosystem" were attempting to create a "Bangladesh-like anarchy" to bring about "regime change".Neha Bora, Rahul Gandhi's poster girl says-‘Bangladesh showed us the way’ for Revolution! This is Open Admission of Regime Change! Rahul Gandhi& Co are a threat to Indian Democracy! https://t.co/Eoi7QVzAtW— Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) October 14, 2026WHAT DID NEHA BORA SAY ON BANGLADESH?In the clip shared by the BJP, the AISA president is seen crediting the 2024 student uprising in Bangladesh for inspiring the youth in India to mobilise around democracy and voting rights. Bora made the remarks while virtually addressing a conference of the Socialist Students' Front (SSF), the largest leftist students' body in Bangladesh."We know that the Gen Z movement that we are seeing in India first started in Bangladesh. Congratulations to you for showing us the way," Bora said in her speech. Pointing to the recent protests against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Bora said India, like Bangladesh, was fighting for restoration of "democratic and voter rights"."We extend our solidarity to you; we take inspiration from you, lessons from the movements that you lead," she said. "The fight that you are fighting against religious fundamentalism in your country (Bangladesh) is also the fight that Gen Z of this country are fighting today," the AISA president further said.Bangladesh was gripped by months of violent student protests in 2024, which left over 500 dead. The protest, which began over job quotas, quickly snowballed into a larger agitation against alleged corruption. It eventually forced then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country and take shelter in India.The turbulent period also saw radical Islamist elements run riot across the country, attacking temples and targeting the minority Hindus.Bora's remarks had already triggered a sharp backlash from the BJP. Bhushan's fresh call for "regime change" only intensified the BJP's attack."There will definitely be a regime change. We all want a regime change. Is there anything wrong with that?" an animated Bhushan said at the press conference on Thursday.BJP HITS BACK AT BORA, BHUSHANBJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari underlined that the remarks by Bora and Bhushan only reflected Rahul's thoughts."This is an open admission of regime change. Rahul Gandhi and co. are a threat to Indian democracy!" Bhandari tweeted, while sharing clips of the remarks by Bora and Bhushan.Addressing a press conference, Bhandari emphasised that Rahul's motive was not "political resistance", but to destroy India's democracy under the guise of anarchy and "wage a war" against the state."In Bangladesh, an attempt was made to completely destroy the entire system with the help of groups and mobs, whose main objective was regime change," the BJP leader said."Rahul Gandhi has made Neha Bora his poster girl, which means her views align with Rahul Gandhi's thoughts," Bhandari further stressed.BJP's new IT Cell chief Deepak Mhaskey said the remarks indicate attempts to bring chaos to India's streets. "There, they've said it. No elections, no respect for the Constitution, just mob rule," Mhaskey said.The BJP further underscored that the back-to-back "regime change" remarks by Bora and Bhushan were reflective of a pattern to "legitimise anarchy".Neha Bora and Rahul have not reacted to the BJP's big charge yet. However, Congress's Rashid Alvi accused the ruling party of invoking democracy to suppress the voices of young protesters.- Ends