New Delhi, Nov 14: The Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the “immeasurable contributions” of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, are being “denied, denigrated, distorted, and demonised” by the current government. The party asserted that Nehru’s legacy will “survive any assault” on his historic role in building modern India.
The criticism came as the nation marked Nehru’s 136th birth anniversary. Born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, Nehru was a central figure in the freedom movement and laid the foundations of independent India before passing away on May 27, 1964.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes at Nehru’s memorial at Shanti Van. Kharge described Nehru’s legacy as a “timeless beacon” guiding India’s commitment to democracy, secularism, and scientific temper.
“His vision continues to inspire our conscience and shape our collective actions,” Kharge said on X, extending Children’s Day wishes while honouring Nehru’s contributions.
Rahul Gandhi said Nehru provided India with a transformative direction through his “visionary and fearless leadership”, adding that his democratic ideals remain a source of inspiration. “Respectful salutations to ‘Hind ke Jawahar’ on his birth anniversary,” Gandhi posted in Hindi.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the government of deliberately attempting to erase Nehru’s role from 20th-century Indian history.
“His immeasurable contributions to the making of modern India are sought to be denied and distorted by the PM and his brigade,” Ramesh wrote on X. “Nehru must and will survive this assault on his legacy. Those hellbent on erasing him only reveal their own insecurities.”
Ramesh also noted that a digital archive by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund is set to go live soon, calling it a “great beginning” in preserving Nehru’s extensive writings and contributions.
The Congress, from its official handle, described Nehru as the “visionary architect of modern India,” saying his democratic and scientific values continue to guide the nation’s progress.