Congress President Sonia Gandhi today invoked the legacy of “Iron Lady" and the former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi to counter Prime Minister Narender Modi’s “surgical strikes and Vishvaguru, self-reliant New India” during Congress party's celebration of 50 years of liberation of Bangladesh in New Delhi.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Narender Modi in his tweets remembered and paid tributes to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Iron Man of India, on his death anniversary, saying, "India will always be grateful to him for his monumental service, his administrative skills and the uniting efforts to unite our nation”.
Also, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid his tributes to Sardar Patel saying that it is founding fathers like him who have created this nation. We must unite to conserve the spirit of India", he said in a post on social media.
Congress leaders gathered in New Delhi and recalled contribution of Indira Gandhi in supporting the cause of freedom fighters of the Bangladesh and contribution of Indian armed forces in liberating Bangladesh from the hands of Pakistan on December 15, 1971.
Addressing the gathering on the closing ceremony of the celebration of 50 years of Bangladesh liberation war of 1971, Sonia Gandhi said in her speech that 50 years ago the brave and courageous people of Bangladesh gave them a new future.
The ceremony was attended by Congress leaders and retired officers from the armed forces including AK Antony, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Meira Kumar, Lt General ARK Reddy, Vice-Admiral (retd) SK Bhasin, Vice-Air Marshall Kapil Kak, Captain Praveen Davar and other brave veterans and several congressmen.
Sonia Gandhi did not make any reference to the Government and the BJP in this connection in her speech, now available on social media, she gave on the occasion of celebration of 50 years of liberation of Bangladesh.
Recalling liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Sonia Gandhi said India stood by them in solidarity in diverse way, provided home to over 10 million refugees, extended humanitarian support, mobilised international backing and raised voice in regional and global platforms. And when asked, they mounted a hugely successful military operation, she said.
Sonia Gandhi said the freedom fighters of Bangladesh must be recalled and cheered. “Sacrifices and values of Indian armed forces must be recalled”.
Sonia Gandhi also went on to recall the civil servants, military leaders, intelligence agencies and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces, who gave 1971 war its distinctive place in the history of the subcontinent as it is a history that shaped geography as well.
Sonia Gandhi said they recalled today Indira Gandhi with great pride and she continues to remain an inspiration for crores of Indians and evoked her admiration for her determination to make “India self-reliant in agriculture, nuclear energy and space exploration and her concern for ecological protection, far flung areas and disadvantageous sections of society”.
She reminded Congress leaders of the great sacrifices she made for the country, saying that there is no exaggeration to say that 1971 was Indira Gandhi’s finest year starting with the mandate she received in March. Indra Gandhi had stalwarts like Jag Jivan Ram, Defence Minister Sardar Swaran Singh, YB Chavan, foreign affairs minister and many others with her, she said.
“But this should be recalled in a spirit of reflection and resolve, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to the values she cherished, ideals she espoused and the cause she fought for and ultimately sacrificed her own life”, she cautioned.
