The Congress party launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, accusing him of indulging in “Nehru-bashing” even on Jawaharlal Nehru’s 61st death anniversary, while remaining silent on pressing national security and diplomatic issues, including the halt of Operation Sindoor.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of being a “master distorian” and attempting to divert public attention from issues such as cross-border terrorism and India’s foreign policy setbacks.
“Even on Nehru’s death anniversary, the nation’s supreme (mis)leader and master distorian is active in Nehru-bashing. This is a pathetic attempt at diverting attention from many serious issues confronting us today,” Ramesh posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Questions on Operation Sindoor and US Remarks
Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s continued silence over eight statements made by US President Donald Trump in 11 days about the India-Pakistan ceasefire that led to the suspension of Operation Sindoor, a military response following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
He also demanded answers as to why the terrorists responsible for Pahalgam, who were allegedly involved in earlier attacks in Poonch (December 2023) and Gagangir and Gulmarg (October 2024), were still at large.
“Why is the PM silent on the deepening military nexus between China and Pakistan — the same China he gave a clean chit to on June 19, 2020 — and with whom our trade deficit continues to rise?” he added.
Critique of Modi’s Comments on Nehru
Ramesh’s remarks came after PM Modi made a veiled reference to Nehru during a speech in Gandhinagar, indirectly blaming him for historical missteps during India’s partition and the first wave of terrorism in Kashmir.
“In 1947, when Maa Bharti was partitioned, chains should have been broken but hands were severed… A part of Maa Bharti was captured by Pakistan using terrorists in the name of Mujahideen,” Modi said. He suggested that if Sardar Patel’s advice had been heeded, and the Mujahideen crushed early on, 75 years of terrorism could have been avoided.
Congress Defends Nehru’s Legacy
Earlier, in a tribute post, Ramesh hailed Nehru as the architect of modern India, saying that despite continuous efforts by the BJP-led government to “defame, distort, deny, denigrate, diminish, and demolish” Nehru’s legacy since 2014, the former prime minister remains deeply embedded in India’s democratic foundation.
“He was authoritative without being authoritarian, an outstanding public figure and an even better human being — reflective, large-hearted, and free of the insecurities we see on full display since May 26, 2014,” Ramesh wrote.
He stressed that Nehru’s commitment to democracy, secularism, scientific temper, and inclusive nationalism remains central to the idea of India.
“To reclaim India, we must reclaim Nehru’s vision,” Ramesh added, calling his final will and testament a piece of “sparkling prose.”
Background
Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister, held office from August 15, 1947, to May 27, 1964. His contributions in shaping India’s democratic institutions, scientific advancement, and non-aligned foreign policy remain pivotal in the country’s post-independence history.
