Did Pralhad Joshi Compare Indira Gandhi to Hitler and Challenge the K'taka Government?

Bengaluru, June 27 (NationPress) In response to the FIRs lodged against the Karnataka BJP for their critiques of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi likened Indira Gandhi to Hitler and urged the Congress-led state government to take legal action against him.

Addressing the press in Bengaluru on Friday, he asserted, “Most of those now allied with the Congress were imprisoned during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. Let Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reflect on that period. Indira Gandhi was a dictator around the clock.”

“I also assert that she was akin to Hitler. If they wish to file a case against me, let them proceed. We’ll see how it unfolds,” Joshi challenged.

“The state government threatens to take legal action if someone compares Indira Gandhi to Hitler. Did she not act as a dictator during her time? How many people lost their lives during her oppressive regime? How many suffered in jail or were tortured in police custody? Is the Chief Minister oblivious to all this?” Joshi questioned.

The Union Minister further criticized the Karnataka Congress government, accusing it of stifling the public's freedom of expression.

Joshi condemned the state government's initiative to introduce a new law aimed at addressing communal incitement, claiming it was merely a strategy to mask its administrative shortcomings.

“There are already laws in place to deal with individuals who incite communal tensions or deliver inflammatory remarks. Why then is there a necessity for a new law?” Joshi inquired, taking a direct jab at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of trying to suppress free speech.

“They pursue legal action against orator Chakravarthy Sulibele. What’s the police's involvement in politics? If that’s the case, will police officers start commenting on political matters? They should stop acting as puppets for the Congress,” Joshi warned.

“There is discord even among the 136 Congress MLAs. That’s why some are rebelling against their government. Corruption is widespread in the administration. The government can’t even manage a single drainage system adequately. And it’s not just us saying this—Congress leaders are acknowledging it themselves,” he alleged.

“Prominent Congress figures like Basavaraj Rayareddy, B.R. Patil, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have revealed the true condition of the government.

“Parameshwara openly stated, ‘Neither I nor Siddaramaiah have funds; we must seek development assistance from the Centre.’ But once controversy arose, he retracted his statement, saying, ‘I didn't say that.’ This exemplifies the Congress's frustration and is a tragedy for a resource-abundant state like Karnataka,” Joshi concluded.

“The BJP is the largest party in the country with the most leaders and workers. Hence, it’s natural for many to seek positions. The party's high command will make timely decisions,” he commented regarding speculations about a change in BJP state leadership.

“There will be no public discourse about any alterations in the BJP State President position. Currently, the process of building the organization is ongoing in all states—from the booth level to the state president level. The leadership will assess and decide appropriately,” he clarified.

“Opposition leader R. Ashoka had come to Delhi for some official clearance. I arranged a meeting with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for him. Please don’t misinterpret this as having political ramifications,” Joshi added.