Eknath Shinde accuses Opposition of targeting constitutional institutions

Eknath Shinde accused Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition of attacking constitutional institutions. He alleged their protests and rhetoric sought to fuel instability, possibly with foreign backing.Stock photo used for illustrationThane,Oct 16, 2026 20:00 ISTMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday accused the Opposition of attacking constitutional institutions by holding marches to the Supreme Court and protesting on the streets of Delhi, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Shinde alleged that those referring to civil unrest and regime changes in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were trying to foment unrest and create instability in India. He also claimed that foreign forces appeared to be involved in or supporting some of these activities.Criticising Rahul Gandhi, Shinde said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was disrespecting institutions established under the Constitution envisioned by Babasaheb Ambedkar."Rahul Gandhi is acting contrary to the Constitution while carrying a copy of it. He is targeting institutions such as the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. He and the Opposition are provoking people through a fake narrative," Shinde was quoted as saying by PTI. Shinde said India's 1.4 billion people would not be misled by such efforts. "They will stand behind those who work for development. The people will not allow any attempt, whether domestic or foreign-backed, to create disorder in the country," he said.He added that Rahul Gandhi must speak about uniting India. The ruling alliance has accused the Opposition of using protests against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to spread anarchy and "seize power" at any cost. The Cockroach Janta Party and the Congress have been leading these protests.Shinde made the remarks while speaking to reporters at an event in Thane where Shiv Sena (UBT) national spokesperson Anand Dubey joined his party. His comments centred on allegations that the Opposition was targeting constitutional institutions and trying to create unrest in the country.- Ends