Bengaluru, June 26 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today came down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for comparing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Adolf Hitler, terming it “an insult to democracy and history".
His sharp reaction came after a social media post from the official BJP Karnataka handle sparked outrage across political circles.
“There’s clearly something wrong with the BJP’s mindset,” Shivakumar said while addressing reporters in Bengaluru. “After the Emergency, the people gave Indira Gandhi a strong mandate. In 1980, she returned to power. No Janata Dal or any other pariwara could match her public support. She ruled with conviction, and she sacrificed her life for the unity of this nation. Comparing her to Hitler is not just historically absurd, it is deeply disrespectful.”
Shivakumar slammed the BJP for raking up the Emergency issue after nearly five decades, calling it a “publicity stunt". He added, “The matter is closed. The country has moved on. India has stood strong. Discussing this now only serves political interests, not public good.”
Backing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s stand, Shivakumar said the party would not tolerate such distortions of history for votes.
Shivakumar’s remarks follow the registration of an FIR against the Karnataka BJP over the controversial post. The complaint, filed by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary S Manohar, accused the BJP of defamation and inciting public emotion by comparing Indira Gandhi to Hitler.
The High Grounds Police in Bengaluru filed the case under sections related to defamation and public incitement. The post, published on Wednesday, June 25, from the @BJP4Karnataka handle, quickly drew backlash and demands from the Congress for an apology and legal action.
So far, the BJP has not officially responded to the FIR or the criticism.
On speculation about unrest in the state Congress, he clarified: “Our high command is in touch. I am speaking to them regularly. There is no crisis. Don't blow things out of proportion.”
UNI BDN RN