Bengaluru, Karnataka: The Karnataka Congress party workers staged a protest on Thursday in front of the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru, condemning a social media post by the BJP that compared former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Hitler in the context of the 50th anniversary of Emergency.
Based on a complaint from a General Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Manohar, who led the agitation, the High Grounds police in Bengaluru have registered an FIR against the BJP IT cell for allegedly using objectionable video and language against the late Prime Minister. The FIR has been filed under Sections 192 – Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause rioting, and 353 – Statements conducing public mischief – of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
Congress party workers claimed that the post could incite social unrest. The video post in question was made by AI in which Indira Gandhi dons Hitler’s moustache and declaring Emergency.
Agitators demanded immediate action against the Karnataka BJP social media team for insulting Indira Gandhi by misusing her image under the pretext of criticizing the Emergency. They called for the immediate removal of the offensive content and the arrest of those responsible.
“The protest was held in front of the BJP central office to condemn the disgraceful act of the party’s social media wing, which insulted former Prime Minister and courageous leader Indira Gandhi by portraying her image alongside that of Hitler,” Manohar stated.
As the protests grew intense, the police bundled the agitators into a bus and took them into preventive custody and were later released after taking a complaint from them on the social media post.
Manohar said that while BJP leaders may observe the 50th anniversary of Emergency and have the right to oppose it, such rights do not extend to personal insults or distortion of historical facts.
“Indira Gandhi was a leader who sacrificed her life for the country, led India to victory against Pakistan, and brought honour to the nation. Comparing her to Hitler is not only unacceptable but also an insult to every woman in this country,” he said.
Manohar further noted that a complaint has already been filed and a case registered against those responsible for the social media post.
Referring to the recent terror acts, Manohar said, “India continues to assert that Pakistan is responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians in the Pehalgam terror attack. It was Indira Gandhi who led the fight against Pakistan and forced their army to surrender before Indian forces. By insulting such a bold leader, the BJP has insulted every woman in the country.”
He also accused the BJP of maintaining double standards. “By dishonouring a woman who laid down her life for the nation, the BJP has insulted the entire women’s community,” Manohar said.
The Congress general secretary warned that if the accused are not arrested immediately, the Congress will launch continuous protests in front of the BJP office.
