'Nehru did a lot, but did not possess arrogance': Kharge on I-Day

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday commemorated India's independence struggle and the pioneering contributions of its founding leaders, notably Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, during the country's 80th Independence Day celebrations.Conveying Nehru's pivotal role in shaping contemporary India, Kharge emphasized that the first Prime Minister had established a democratic and secular nation, alongside founding institutions like IITs, IIMs, and public sector enterprises.

He noted, "Nehru ji laid the foundation of a modern, democratic and secular India. He established IITs, IIMs, PSUs." While acknowledging Nehru's achievements, Kharge underscored that Nehru lacked arrogance, praising his dedication to the nation.Kharge also recalled Mahatma Gandhi's powerful call to action during the Quit India Movement, highlighting the crucial role played by the youth when senior leaders were incarcerated.

He remarked, "When Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan 'Do or Die' and all the senior leaders were in jail, it was the youth of the country who carried forward the Quit India Movement."The Congress chief argued that India's freedom fighters aspired to eradicate poverty, unemployment, discrimination, injustice, and fear, asserting that liberation from British rule was merely the initial step.

He proclaimed, "Independence was not just a change of power, but a resolve to make every Indian's life better. Every Prime Minister from the Congress has advanced this very vision."Kharge also praised the contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, crediting them with bolstering India's agricultural, military, and strategic strength, as well as playing a significant role in the creation of Bangladesh.

He added, "We also integrated Sikkim with India. All these were done by Congress party leaders."However, Kharge criticized the BJP-led government for attributing all accomplishments to their leadership, stating that the Congress had played a dominant role in the nation's development. He asserted, "The development you see in the country today is because of Congress.

Congress has 90% contribution in development you witnessed in the country today. We improved people's financial condition, not change names. But, these people just take credit."The Congress president concluded by backing protesting youth and criticizing the government's treatment of their grievances, asserting that their protests were met with hostility and that hate campaigns were launched against them.