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Former Vice President Ansari Defends Public Demonstrations as Democratic Expression

Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has characterized public protests as a normal part of India's democratic functioning, emphasizing that demonstrations reflect the will of the nation's own people.

LSN India · 22 October 2026

Former Vice President Ansari Defends Public Demonstrations as Democratic Expression

Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has weighed in on ongoing public demonstrations across the country, framing them as an inherent aspect of India's democratic system. Speaking on the matter, Ansari noted that such expressions of public sentiment are characteristic of how the Indian state operates.

"After all, these are our own people," Ansari said, underscoring that protests represent the voice of India's citizenry rather than external influences. The former vice president's remarks reflect a perspective that views mass mobilization and street demonstrations as legitimate channels for democratic participation.

Ansari's comments come amid continued public agitation over various issues across different regions of the country. His statement appears aimed at contextualizing such demonstrations within India's broader democratic traditions and constitutional framework.

The remarks highlight differing interpretations of public protests within Indian political discourse, with Ansari positioning demonstrations as a reflection of internal democratic processes rather than anomalies or threats to the social fabric.