‘Fearless guardian of democracy’: Congress pays tribute to Nehru on 61st death anniversary

The Congress on Tuesday (May 27) paid rich tributes to India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on his death anniversary.

The Congress, from its official X handle, also paid tributes to Nehru on his death anniversary.

Also read: Amit Shah 'failed most miserably' in managing Manipur, should quit: Congress

"On his death anniversary, we honour the nation's first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, whose vision shaped modern India. His ideals of democracy, secularism, and scientific temper continue to guide our way forward," the party said. "Heartfelt tributes to his unmatched legacy and leadership," it added.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi had paid floral tributes to Nehru at his memorial at Shanti Van in Delhi.

'Nehru refuses to go away'

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also paid his tributes to Nehru.

“Today is the 61st death anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, who simply refuses to go away in spite of a systematic 6D effort being made - since 2014 especially - to defame, distort, deny, denigrate, diminish, and demolish him and his legacy,” he said.

Also read: Rahul takes swipe at Jaishankar, says India's foreign policy has collapsed

He mentioned that Nehru remained a source of inspiration to all those who are committed to the idea of an open, secular and liberal India.

"For Nehru, democracy and yet more democracy was the oxygen which gave meaning to our lives, not demagoguery. He was authoritative without being authoritarian. He was not just an outstanding public figure who read, wrote, and shaped history decisively - perhaps more importantly, a good, decent, large-hearted, reflective, and noble human being with no insecurities whatsoever which he would have to overcome with bluffs, brags, and bombasts as we are seeing daily since May 26, 2014," Ramesh said.

For Nehru, India was one and many at the same time, he said.

'Source of inspiration'

In a post in Hindi on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge shared a quote of Nehru that said, "Citizenship lies in serving the country".

"Humble tributes on the death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji, who took India from zero to the top, the creator of modern India, the fearless guardian of democracy, who made India develop in scientific, economic, industrial and various fields, who constantly gave the message of 'unity in diversity' to the country, our source of inspiration," Kharge said.

Also read: Sonia abused her position to benefit self, son in AJL takeover: ED

Kharge emphasised that the strong India of the 21st century is impossible without the essential contribution of Nehru.

'Laid strong foundation of Independent India'

In a post in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Respectful tributes to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his death anniversary." "With the dream of a strong and inclusive India, Nehru ji laid a strong foundation of independent India with his visionary leadership. His contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

Also read: Operation Sindoor: Kharge reiterates demand for special Parliament session

He asserted that Nehru laid a strong foundation of independent India with his visionary leadership, and promised that Nehru's contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable.

The legacy of 'Hind ke Jawahar' and his ideals will always guide us," Gandhi said.

'Maker of Modern India'

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared a quote of Nehru on X that said – "What we think today and what we do, creates tomorrow's India."

“Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru dreamed of an India that would move forward with the help of science and technology and compete with the modern world. For this, he laid the foundation of dozens of educational, scientific, industrial, technical, social and economic institutions which are the backbone of India today and are strengthening India as the pillar of our progress,” she said in a post in Hindi on X.

Also read: Priyanka flags scant medical facilities in Wayanad, demands AIIMS from Centre

"She said that the nation will always remember the contributions of "The maker of modern India", referring to Pandit Nehru's invaluable contributions to the development of India.

The country will always remember his great contribution, Priyanka Gandhi said in her tributes to “the maker of modern India”.

Nehru, the leader

Nehru, who was the main leader of British resistance and went to jail several times during the freedom movement, was the prime minister from August 1947 to May 1964.

At over 16 years, his term is the longest for any Indian prime minister.

Nehru died in office in 1964, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership and good governance.