On the 136th birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that the former PM’s contributions are being “denied, denigrated, distorted and demonised” by the Narendra Modi-led government, asserting that Nehru’s foundational role in modern India must survive the “assault” on his legacy.
Congress mounts sharp attack over Nehru legacy
In New Delhi on Friday, Congress leaders paid floral tributes at Nehru’s memorial at Shanti Van as the party voiced strong objections to what it described as the ongoing erasure of the first premier’s place in history. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Nehru’s vision of “freedom, democracy, secularism and scientific temper” and said his legacy remains a “timeless beacon” for the nation. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh stated that those seeking to rewrite history reflect “their own deep insecurities and complexes”, as per a PTI report.
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"Today is the 136th birth anniversary of the man who still resonates all over the world but whose immeasurable contributions to the making of modern India are sought to be denied, denigrated, distorted, and demonised by the PM and his brigade," Ramesh posted on X.
"Nehru must and will survive this assault on his legacy and accomplishments. Those who are hellbent on erasing him out of our 20th century history are only reflecting their own deep insecurities and complexes," Ramesh said.
"When he turned 60 on November 14, 1949, a voluminous and extremely erudite Abhinandan Granth with Introductions by Rajaji and Sardar Patel had been presented to him. It still makes for inspirational reading," he continued.
The Congress specifically accused PM Modi of seeking to marginalise Nehru’s role in shaping global India, beyond domestic politics. It cited instances where Nehru’s name or his efforts have been omitted from major speeches or public commemorations, calling such omissions evidence of “distortion” of the nation’s historical narrative.
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Congress leaders argue that distorting the narrative of Nehru’s contributions to democracy, governance, and science threatens the idea of India itself, rooted in pluralism and modernity. They warn that this attack on history is symptomatic of a broader attempt to alter the country’s political memory for present-day advantage.
As Nehru’s birth anniversary was celebrated, the Congress reaffirmed that the first Prime Minister’s values of scientific temper, secularism and public service remain relevant, and must continue to guide India’s path forward.
