A political controversy erupted after senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would have banned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if she were alive today. His remarks, made during a public event in Jaipur, triggered a sharp political backlash from the ruling party and intensified the ongoing war of words between the Congress and the BJP.

Speaking at an award function, Gehlot alleged that the current political atmosphere in the country was “extremely dangerous” and marked by rising communal polarisation. He argued that in his decades-long political career, he had not witnessed such conditions, and warned that continued divisions could have long-term consequences for the nation if left unaddressed.

Gehlot further criticised the BJP’s electoral strategy, questioning its decision-making in candidate selection and alleging that the party was promoting a politics centred on religious identity. He suggested that the absence of Muslim candidates in certain elections reflected a broader ideological positioning and accused the BJP of encouraging polarisation to consolidate political support.

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The remarks immediately drew a strong response from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress of displaying hostility towards Hindu beliefs and ideology. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned Gehlot’s statement, arguing that it reflected what he described as a “mindset rooted in political emergency-era thinking” and alleged that the Congress had repeatedly shown bias in its political rhetoric.

Poonawalla further criticised the Congress, claiming that its leadership often targets Hindutva while promoting what he called selective political narratives. He also reiterated the BJP’s position that Hindutva represents a broader cultural and philosophical identity, and questioned why it would be subject to criticism or restrictions. The exchange has further escalated tensions between the two national parties, with both sides trading sharp accusations over ideology, minority representation, and the broader direction of Indian politics.

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