Take lessons from Nehru, Indira, Manmohan tells Modi

Addressing the national convention of the Youth Congress here, which coincided with Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Dr Singh paid glowing tributes to the former PM lauding her role in poverty alleviation, making Indian economy stronger through green revolution, creating Bangladesh and facilitating the first nuclear test by the country at Pokharan.

“Nehru and Indira were responsible for developing the agriculture sector. In light of recent crisis, Mr Modi should take a lesson from them”, Mr Singh asserted.

“A look at history will show you the role that the Congress played in making economy strong. Compare it to the directionless policies of today,” he said.

“Indira Gandhi took the country forward in every way. When she became PM, India was facing a food crisis, she told scientists to focus on the agriculture sector, thus was born the green revolution,” the former PM said.

‘’Today, the Planning Commission has been scrapped. To remove poverty, we need particular emphasis on policies for the marginalised. The Planning Commission provided critical direction required to tackle poverty,’’ Dr Singh opined.

“Tell the nation about the harmful effects of Modi’s abolition of the Planning Commission. See his directionless economic policies,” he said.

“In 1971, the Opposition said “Indira Hatao”, Indira responded with ‘Garibi Hatao’. She laid the foundation for removing poverty, Indira Gandhi believed, like Nehru, that science was the base for development,” he further stated.

“Indira Gandhi tried her best to ensure that the East Pakistan crisis was resolved through diplomacy, but, following the economic and political crisis in 1971 and the war that was foisted on us, we defeated Pakistan. Bangladesh became a free country, a sovereign, independent country and a friend of India,” Dr Singh observed.

“Atal Behari Vajpayee called Indira Gandhi ‘Durga’ for her glorious victory in 1971,” he reminded the young audience.

“Indira Gandhi was responsible for India’s first atomic test,” Dr Singh pointed out.

“For India’s survival, Indira knew we needed weapons. She laid the foundation of it. Not to attack anyone, but to defend India,” he said.

“Propaganda by Prime Minister Modi that the Congress has done nothing is a malicious attack and a lie, we must fight these lies,” he exhorted Youth Congress cadres.