Tue May 13 16:04:31 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Karnataka State Congress installed banners and posters across 20 locations in Bengaluru, India, honoring former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and drawing comparisons between her leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the current leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst “Operation Sindoor”. The Congress critiqued Modi’s handling of current affairs, particularly highlighting what they perceived as a lack of support for the armed forces and contrasting it with Indira Gandhi’s decisive actions and leadership during the 1971 war. Opposition party members criticized the timing of the posters.

**News Article:**

**Congress Celebrates Indira Gandhi, Criticizes Modi’s Leadership Amidst Tensions**

**BENGALURU, May 13, 2025** – In a bold political move, the Karnataka State Congress erected banners and posters across 20 prominent locations in Bengaluru today, celebrating the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and drawing parallels with current Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during a period of heightened tensions referred to as “Operation Sindoor”.

The posters prominently featured Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, showcasing her decisive actions and the Indian Army’s victory. Slogans such as “Indira Gandhi didn’t need hashtags… She made history” and “Indira would’ve ended it before it began” adorned the displays. The Congress referenced former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s description of Indira Gandhi as “Durga,” emphasizing her strength and leadership during the 1971 conflict where 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered.

The Congress statement contrasted Gandhi’s actions with Modi’s, alleging a lack of support for the armed forces and criticizing his perceived prioritization of political campaigning over attending crucial all-party meetings. “The people are saying that Mr. Modi went to campaign for the Bihar elections instead of attending the all-party meeting,” the party stated.

The move has sparked immediate controversy. R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, strongly condemned the timing of the posters. “This is not the time to put up posters of Indira Gandhi,” he stated.

The Congress’s action is seen as a calculated attempt to rally support by invoking a historical figure known for strong leadership and decisiveness, while simultaneously questioning the current government’s handling of critical national security issues. The political fallout and its impact on public opinion remain to be seen.

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