Maharashtra CM Fadnavis stresses constitutional values amid SIR controversy

File pic/Satej Shinde

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said regime change in India could happen only through elections as long as the Constitution remained in force, asserting that decisions must be made in Parliament.

His remarks come amid a row over senior advocate Prashant Bhushan's call for "regime change" during protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Fadnavis was speaking at an event in Dadar, where he and former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai released two books as part of the BMC initiative to promote constitutional values, fundamental duties and democratic principles among students in civic schools.

"I want to tell them that as long as the Constitution of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar exists, decisions will be taken in Parliament and regime change will happen only through elections," Fadnavis said.

Constitution has withstood attacks, says CM

Fadnavis alleged that attempts had been made in recent years to undermine the Constitution and the country's democracy, but said India's constitutional framework was strong enough to withstand them.

Those seeking to create a situation similar to that in neighbouring countries should remember that the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to seek justice, he said.

"I think those who are planning to bring about a situation like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal should remember that this Constitution has given everyone the right to access justice in this country," he said.