Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Tuesday that the BJP, despite benefiting from the freedom struggle, criticises India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, out of 'inferiority.' Speaking at the 134th birth anniversary of Nehru at the Congress office, Siddaramaiah highlighted Nehru's faith in democracy and the Constitution, emphasising his tolerance for harsh criticism.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that not a single member of the BJP participated in the freedom struggle or went to jail for the country's independence. He suggested that the BJP's criticism of Nehru stems from a sense of inferiority and fear of not actively participating in the freedom movement.
“BJP is the beneficiary of freedom struggle. Not a single member of the saffron party fought for the freedom of the country and went to jail,” Siddaramaiah told the gathering.
“The BJP out of inferiority and fear that it did not participate in the freedom struggle, they have made it a point to criticise Nehru, who was the Prime Minister of the country for 17 years after spending nine years in jail as a freedom fighter,” he added.
Nehru's commitment to discussion and dialogue, along with his tolerance for criticism, was praised by Siddaramaiah. The Chief Minister hailed Nehru as a significant figure, attributing to him the establishment of educational institutions, science and research institutes, technological advancements, universities, and agricultural development.
"When the country got independence, there was nothing here. There were no educational institutions. There was no irrigation system. But as the first Prime Minister of the country, Nehru was the one who built India economically, socially and as a democratic country,” the CM explained.
Siddaramaiah underscored Nehru's pivotal role in shaping India after independence, noting the lack of educational institutions, irrigation systems, and other essential infrastructure at the time. He credited Nehru for building India economically, socially, and as a democratic nation, laying the foundation for a modern India through various initiatives in education, science, technology, and healthcare.
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