Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday alleged that “demonic forces” were attempting to bring about regime change in India, unable to accept the country’s rise under its current leadership.

Addressing the RSS’s Vijayadashami event, Bhagwat linked developments in France and Albania, including youth-led protests and school reforms, to Western interests. He warned that “a storm has swept in from the West”, challenging established systems and seeking to dismantle cultural and social values. He alleged that these forces were expanding their influence worldwide and had now targeted India.

“Listen to the news that has been coming in over the past two or four days. Look at what is happening around the world: what is happening in France and Albania, what happened in Bangladesh, what happened in Nepal," Bhagwat said, alleging that these developments reflected attempts to advance vested interests.

“They say that changing the regime will change the situation, but that has never happened," he said.

Bhagwat claimed that similar attempts were underway in India but said the country’s firm policies and leadership had helped it progress and unite people. He added that young Indians had developed a stronger sense of responsibility towards the country, helping society resist forces seeking to weaken it.

“These demonic forces know this, and that is why India is their target," Bhagwat said. He also alleged that these forces wanted to “break India, Hindus and the RSS”, with support from people pursuing vested interests and ambitious political leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bhagwat’s Vijayadashami address, calling it “highly inspiring". In a post on X, Modi highlighted the RSS chief’s remarks on national progress, social unity, self-reliance and empowerment. He also welcomed the emphasis on service, nation-building and Panch Parivartan as drivers of positive social change.

Bhagwat’s remarks come amid a political controversy over senior advocate Prashant Bhushan’s comments on protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators have demanded Kumar’s resignation.

On October 15, Bhushan described the agitation as a “fight for regime change", defending it as a democratic right. Speaking at a press conference with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and other activists, he said citizens had the right to seek a change of government.

“Yes, we all want regime change. What is wrong with that?" Bhushan said, arguing that the movement aimed to protect electoral democracy.

The BJP criticised the remarks, accusing protesters and their political supporters of seeking to remove the Narendra Modi government without an electoral mandate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh alleged that some groups were pursuing regime change inspired by Bangladesh’s developments and attempting to destabilise democratic institutions.

The Opposition defended the demand for a government change through democratic means. Congress leaders said defeating the ruling party in elections was a legitimate Opposition objective. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor rejected comparisons between India and countries such as Bangladesh and France, saying the Opposition wanted free and fair elections.