Nehru's contributions sought to be denied, denigrated, distorted by PM: Congress
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru's immeasurable contributions to the making of modern India are sought to be "denied, denigrated, distorted, and demonised" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asserted that India's first PM must and will survive this "assault "on his legacy.
The opposition party said those who are hellbent on erasing him out of the country's 20th century history are only reflecting their own deep insecurities and complexes.
The Congress' attack on the Modi government came on Nehru's 136th birth anniversary. Nehru was born on this date in 1889 in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. He was one of the leading faces of the country's freedom struggle. He breathed his last on May 27, 1964.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes to Nehru at his memorial at Shanti Van here.
Kharge hailed Nehru's contributions and said his legacy stands as a "timeless beacon, illuminating the idea of India and the values he cherished -- freedom, democracy, secularism and scientific temper".
"His vision continues to inspire our conscience and shape our collective actions. Paying tribute to India’s first Prime Minister, a leader who deeply cherished truth, unity and peace. Best wishes on Children’s Day to the future of our nation," Kharge said on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Nehru laid the foundation of constitutional and democratic values in independent India through his visionary and fearless leadership, and provided the country with a new direction.
"His ideals and values continue to be a source of inspiration for us even today. Respectful salutations to 'Hind ke Jawahar' on his birth anniversary," Gandhi said in his post n Hindi on X.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack on the government on Nehru's birth anniversary.
"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 said 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," he 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. The first phase of the ambitious digital archive of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund http://nehruarchive.in is likely to go live very soon in the next few days. It will be a great beginning," he said.
The Congress, from its official handle, said, "Heartfelt tributes to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary! The visionary architect of modern India, his ideals of democracy, secularism & scientific temper continue to lead the nation towards development & technological progress. His legacy remains our guiding light."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
