BJP Slams Gehlot's 'Emergency Mindset' After Call to Ban Saffron Party

Asignificant political controversy has erupted in India following remarks by senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who claimed that if former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were alive today, she would have banned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at an award ceremony in Jaipur, Gehlot accused the BJP of pursuing politics based on religion, weakening democratic institutions, and misusing central investigative agencies against political opponents.

Gehlot's comments, made on Sunday, June 14, 2026, sparked a swift and sharp reaction from the BJP, which alleged that the Congress party still harbors an 'Emergency mindset' and poses a threat to democracy. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated that Gehlot's remarks clearly demonstrate the Congress's anti-democratic stance and its failure to learn from the Emergency imposed under Indira Gandhi. Bhandari further asserted that the 'Gandhi-Vadra family is the biggest threat to Indian democracy' and warned that if the Congress were to return to power, it would impose another Emergency.

Another BJP national spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, echoed these sentiments, attacking Gehlot by claiming his remarks reflect the Congress's 'emergency and intolerant' mindset, particularly towards Hindutva and Hindus. Poonawalla alleged that the Congress party 'hates Hindus and Hindutva,' highlighting that Hindutva has been recognized by the Supreme Court as a 'way of life'.

In his address, Gehlot articulated that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideology is 'dangerous'. He accused the ruling party of selectively invoking national leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for political gain while disregarding their core values. Gehlot questioned the BJP's commitment to inclusivity, pointing to the absence of Muslim Members of Parliament from the party in the Lok Sabha and alleging that senior Muslim leaders, including Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain, have been marginalized within the organization.

Gehlot emphasized that the Constitution guarantees equal rights to people of all faiths and that religion should not be used as a political instrument. He deplored the BJP's 'bid to provoke Hindutva forces & polarization,' stating that a strong leader like Indira Gandhi would have banned the party for such actions. He also called for all regional parties that had separated from the Congress to rejoin and 'wholeheartedly accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader' to protect democracy in India.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also joined the criticism, linking Gehlot's comments to the Congress's historical legacy during the Emergency period. He remarked that the statement reminded the country of Indira Gandhi's 'authoritarian mindset' and warned against the 'dynastic Congress Party'. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari further reinforced this by describing Indira Gandhi as a 'dictator' who had imposed the Emergency and 'banned every institution'.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat dismissed Gehlot's suggestion of banning the BJP as a mere 'dream,' asserting that the BJP is now the largest party in the world. He countered that Gehlot's remarks highlighted his own party's mindset and track record, reminding everyone that Indira Gandhi was the one who imposed the Emergency and was oppressive towards opposition parties.

This exchange has intensified the political rivalry between the Congress and BJP, with both parties accusing each other of divisive politics and attempting to consolidate support ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Gehlot's controversial statement has not only reignited debates over ideology and democratic values but also, according to some observers, is an attempt to mend his strained relationship with the Congress high command, particularly the Gandhi family, following past internal party issues in Rajasthan.