In response to recent criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Congress's handling of the 1962 Chinese aggression, the Congress party has shared excerpts from a broadcast made by Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. This move is seen as a direct counter to PM Modi's claims about Nehru's leadership and his alleged lack of trust in the capabilities of the Indian people.

PM Modi, during a Lok Sabha session, had quoted Nehru's 1959 Independence Day speech, stating that Nehru believed Indians were not as hardworking as people in Europe, Japan, China, Russia, or America. Modi's critique suggested that Nehru considered Indians lazy and less intelligent compared to other nations. He further asserted that Congress leaders, including Nehru and Indira Gandhi, did not trust the capabilities of the Indian people, viewing themselves as rulers and the public as lesser.

The Congress party's rebuttal aims to provide context to Nehru's statements and highlight his efforts towards self-reliance. The shared excerpts likely showcase Nehru's call for Indians to work harder for the nation's progress. By presenting Nehru's own words, the Congress intends to offer a different perspective on his views and actions during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The 1962 war remains a sensitive topic, particularly in Assam, where PM Modi has stated that the "wounds" inflicted by Nehru during the Chinese aggression are yet to heal. Modi has accused Congress of abandoning Assam and the entire Northeast during the war, leaving the people to fend for themselves. He also criticized the party for allegedly insulting Assam's cultural icon, Bhupen Hazarika.

Congress, on the other hand, has accused PM Modi of defaming Nehru and using him as a distraction from his own failures. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has stated that PM Modi has an "obsession" with Nehru and invokes him to divert attention from current challenges. This is not the first time Congress has made such claims. In the past, they have accused the Prime Minister of distorting history and making misleading statements about Nehru's policies.

The political sparring over Nehru's legacy comes at a time when national security, regional pride, and anti-infiltration measures are central themes in the BJP's pitch to voters in the Northeast. PM Modi has also alleged a conspiracy to alter the demography of border areas with the help of infiltrators. He has accused Congress of protecting infiltrators and anti-national elements while ignoring the rights of indigenous people.

The ongoing debate over Nehru's actions and statements reflects the deep-seated ideological differences between the Congress and the BJP. While BJP leaders have criticized Nehru for his policies on Kashmir, relations with China, and economic planning, Congress leaders defend his vision of a secular, socialist, and non-aligned India. The legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru continues to be a subject of intense debate and scrutiny in contemporary Indian politics.