In a dramatic turn of events an FIR has been registered against the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The case was registered at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru. This comes following a controversial social media post comparing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Adolf Hitler. The post, made from BJP Karnataka’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, sparked sharp criticism from the Congress party.

Congress Files FIR Over Derogatory Post

According to reports, the complaint was lodged by S Manohar, General Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). As per the FIR summary, the post, uploaded on June 25, 2025, read “INDIRA NOT EQUALS INDIA, INDIRA = HITLER”. The post further featured a 38-second video. Though the post was later deleted, the video content drew strong objections from the Congress, which described it as defamatory and inflammatory.

Similarly, the 38-second video allegedly referred to the Emergency period imposed in 1975 by Indira Gandhi. According to the complainant, used offensive graphics aimed at tarnishing the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s legacy. The FIR also stated that the post could potentially incite communal disharmony by targeting a historical figure revered by many.

Call for Legal Action

The Congress leaders have demanded strict legal action against the BJP’s official social media handle. They demand action against them for spreading what they describe as false and divisive narratives. The police have registered the FIR and confirmed that an investigation is underway to ascertain responsibility for the post.

BJP Stands by Its Criticism of Emergency

However, despite the controversy, the BJP Karnataka unit continued its sharp critique of the Congress. In another post on X, it wrote, “The country can never forget this cruelty of Indira Gandhi,” with the hashtag #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

At an event titled ‘50 Years of 1975 Emergency – Dark Days’ held in Bengaluru, senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa accused Indira Gandhi of subverting democratic institutions to retain power. He claimed that the judiciary, press, and legislature were all silenced under her rule and emphasized that the mindset which led to the Emergency still persists in today’s Congress.

Public Discourse and Strong Reactions

Speaking at the same event, columnist and economic thinker S Gurumurthy criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for invoking the Constitution while allegedly ignoring his family’s past actions. He pointed to the Emergency as a period that saw the erosion of civil liberties and argued that the revival of constitutional order was possible only due to the Janata Party and the RSS.

A symbolic photo exhibition and a replica prison gate were also set up near Town Hall to depict the authoritarian nature of the Emergency era. The recent controversy has reignited political tensions as both parties trade barbs over the legacy of one of India’s most debated political chapters.