Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday, 30 October 2026, addressed the 'Save Democracy, End Anarchy' (Loktantra Bachao-Arajakta Hatao) march in Kota, launching a pointed attack on the Indian National Congress over what he described as its history of undermining democratic institutions — including the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 — while accusing the party of now projecting itself as democracy's defender.

Emergency and Double Standards

Sharma alleged that Congress had curtailed democratic rights and violated the spirit of the Constitution during the 1975 Emergency, causing widespread suffering to Loktantra Senanis and their families. He questioned whether the Emergency had been imposed purely to serve personal and political interests.

The Chief Minister also alleged that Congress applies a selective standard to democratic outcomes — accepting election results when it wins, but questioning institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI), Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) when results go against it.

Corruption, Appeasement and Governance Record

Sharma alleged that Congress had 'set new benchmarks in corruption and appeasement,' contrasting this with what he described as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance approach to graft. He noted that under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan, more than 265 officers and employees had been suspended and disciplinary proceedings initiated against around 700 others. In several cases, pensions have been withheld, and action ranging from removal from service to dismissal has been taken.

He also recalled that the Congress had dismissed several elected state governments during its time in power at the Centre — citing this as evidence of its historically strained relationship with federal democratic norms.

Jabs at Rahul Gandhi and Former CM Gehlot

Taking aim at Congress leaders, Sharma alleged that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spent more time abroad than in the country. He also alleged that during the Congress government's internal power struggle in Rajasthan, its leaders — including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot — remained confined to hotels for nearly four months.

He noted that the previous Congress government had taken two years merely to conduct panchayat and local body elections, with the Model Code of Conduct being imposed at intervals of three months. By contrast, Sharma said local body elections had been completed under the BJP government, and panchayat elections were already underway.

Electoral Rolls and SIR Process

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Minister said accurate voter lists were essential for a healthy democracy. He stated that anyone with objections to the SIR process should submit them, along with concrete evidence, before the competent authority or the court. He noted that the Election Commission's affidavit before the Supreme Court had clarified that key directives relating to the electoral roll exercise received unanimous approval, and that the statutory authority to include or delete names rests with the Electoral Registration Officer.

What the BJP Government Stands For

Sharma underscored the BJP government's commitment to realising Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by ensuring welfare scheme benefits reach the poor and disadvantaged. He called upon BJP workers to remain connected with the public, 'working 24 hours a day, 30 days a month and 365 days a year,' and to take the government's development initiatives to every household.

As elections cycles approach and political mobilisation intensifies, Friday's rally signals the BJP's intent to frame the national democratic debate on its own terms — with the Emergency and institutional credibility as central planks.