Mangalyaan, Tejas, IITs, AIIMS… Priyanka Gandhi Hits Back at PM Modi’s Nehru, Jinnah, Muslim League Allegations

New Delhi: During a special Lok Sabha discussion marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered a sharp rebuttal to PM Modi’s allegations against Jawaharlal Nehru, the Muslim League, and Jinnah. She accused the government of having electoral motives, aiming to divert public attention by levying new accusations against freedom fighters.

Highlighting Nehru’s Visionary Contributions

Priyanka Gandhi emphasized Nehru’s pivotal role in shaping modern India:

• “If Pandit Nehru had not initiated ISRO, Mangalyaan would not have been possible.
• If DRDO had not been established, the Tejas fighter jet would not exist.
• Without IITs and IIMs, India would not have become a global leader in IT.
• If AIIMS had not been founded, how would we have combated the COVID-19 pandemic?”

She stressed that Nehru lived and served the nation, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

On the Timing of the Debate

Priyanka Gandhi questioned why a debate on Vande Mataram was being held 75 years after independence, suggesting two motives behind the timing:

1. Electoral agenda, as West Bengal elections are approaching.
2. Deflecting attention from pressing issues by targeting freedom fighters with new accusations.

She argued that the government wants to divert public focus from essential national matters by highlighting controversial interpretations of history.

Vande Mataram as a Symbol of National Spirit

Priyanka Gandhi described Vande Mataram as an expression of modern nationalism, awakening the spirit of Indians under colonial rule. She said, “This discussion is not just about a song; it is about the soul of India. When we say Vande Mataram, the same feeling of patriotism and remembrance of our history rises in our hearts.”

She further criticized the government for focusing on selective debates rather than addressing electoral reforms or other pressing issues, asserting that MPs have a responsibility to honor the trust placed in them by the people.