This Article is From Oct 31, 2014

Angry Congress Attacks PM Narendra Modi, Says Indira Gandhi Ignored

Angry Congress Attacks PM Narendra Modi, Says Indira Gandhi Ignored

Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi at Shakti Sthal to pay tribute to Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. (AFP)

New Delhi: The Congress today described as "disgusting and petty-minded" the way the death anniversary of its iconic leader, former prime minister Indira Gandhi, was treated by the BJP government today.

The Centre today celebrated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary, which coincides with Indira Gandhi's death anniversary, as National Unity Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the government's grand "Run for Unity" events to commemorate Sardar Patel. But he and his government skipped a tribute at the memorial of Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated by her security guards on this day 30 years ago.

"It is petty-minded, it is partisan and disrespectful to those who gave their lives to their country, particularly Indira Gandhi who gave hers for the unity of this country," Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said, adding, "It shows what PM Modi and BJP stand for."

Mr Sharma also said it was ironic that PM Modi was flagging off a 'Run for Unity' and not even mentioning "the supreme sacrifice of one of the greatest leaders of our times". Sardar Patel, he said, was a Congressman who as deputy prime minister and home minister had banned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, the ideological mentor of the ruling party.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said there was no question of belittling the importance of any leader.

"There is no question of belittling the importance of any leader...Every leader has their place in history. There is no question of denying that. But Sardar Patel is one of the top most leaders who was a freedom fighter, unifier of India...who should be role model for all," he said.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli accused the Congress of politicising the issue and pointed out that PM Modi had tweeted about Indira Gandhi's death anniversary. "Congress is trying consistently to politicise such issues and is in fact raising questions about itself. Are they against unity and they prefer to see everything in history through the perspective of Nehru-Gandhi family?" he questioned.

Congress leader Manish Tewari said it is the responsibility of every government to honour Indira Gandhi's sacrifice and if any dispensation did not do it, then it was detracting from its duty.
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