New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his birthday greetings to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday, wishing her long life and good health.
Posting on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote:
“Happy birthday to Sonia Gandhi. May God bless her with longevity and excellent health.”
Born on 9 December 1946, Sonia Gandhi served as Congress president for nearly two decades, making her the longest-serving leader in the party’s history. In 2017, she handed over the reins of the 139-year-old political party to her son Rahul Gandhi.
Earlier Criticism of Congress
Just a day before sending birthday wishes, PM Modi had targeted Congress and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during a Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. Modi alleged that under Nehru’s leadership, the Congress, under pressure from the Muslim League, had cut portions of the Vande Mataram song. He further claimed,
“Congress, by compromising on Vande Mataram, eventually compromised on the unity of India itself.”
Historical References: Emergency and Vande Mataram
While opening the Lok Sabha discussion on Vande Mataram, Modi referenced the Emergency of 1975, saying:
“When the nation was shackled by Emergency and the Constitution was suffocated, it was Vande Mataram that helped the country stand tall.”
Why Nehru Was Criticized
PM Modi accused Nehru of aligning with Jinnah’s sentiments during the freedom struggle, stating:
“When Mohammad Ali Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru wrote to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, acknowledging that the song’s Anand Math background could irritate Muslims.”
He argued that Congress compromised on the national song under the guise of social harmony, claiming:
“History bears witness that Congress bowed to the Muslim League, yielding to its pressure. This was a tactic of appeasement politics.”
Modi also criticized the continuity of such policies in modern times, stating that Congress’ approach remains largely unchanged, asserting:
“Unfortunately, Congress’ policies today are the same, and the INC has gradually become the MMC.”
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