Indira Gandhi Being Left Out Of ‘Misogynist’ BJP Govt’s Vijay Diwas Celebrations, Alleges Priyanka

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attacked Centre, alleging that there was no mention of Indira Gandhi in the 50th Vijay Diwas celebration.

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New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government over the 50th Vijay Diwas celebrations, alleging that former PM Indira Gandhi is being “left out” of the same.

“Our first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi is being left out of the misogynist BJP government’s Vijay Diwas celebrations. This, on the 50th anniversary of the day that she led India to victory and liberated Bangladesh,” she tweeted.

“@narendramodi  ji, women don’t believe your platitudes. Your patronising attitude is unacceptable. It’s about time you started giving women their due,” she further added.

Addressing a gathering in Dehradun, Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also lashed out at the Centre over this issue.

Speaking on the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas, Rahul Gandhi said “Pakistan bowed its head within 13 days in the 1971 war. Generally, a war is fought for 6 months, 1-2 years. America took 20 years to defeat Afghanistan but India made Pakistan lose in 13 days only as India was united and was standing as one”, news agency ANI reported.

Meanwhile, he also alleged that “today a function was held in Delhi regarding the Bangladesh war. There was no mention of Indira Gandhi in that function. The woman who took 32 bullets for this country, her name was not there in the invitation because this government is afraid of the truth”.

Senior party leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also commented that it was unfortunate the government did not recognise the role played by Indira Gandhi in the liberation of Bangladesh during the celebrations.

“It is very unfortunate that the prime minister and the government did not even name then prime minister Indira Gandhi,” he told reporters, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused the BJP government of indulging in petty and cheap politics by not naming Indira Gandhi who led from the front and gave decisive leadership at the time.

“The Modi government and the BJP will not deter from their cheap and petty politics. On the 50th Vijay Diwas of Bangladesh's independence, the Prime Minister and the people in the government did not even take the name of Indira Gandhi, the “Iron Lady” of the 1971 war, is an example of their frustrated and narrow mindset,” Randeep Surjewala wrote in a tweet in Hindi.

The remarks come in reference to the homage and reception ceremony of ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaals’ held today at the National War Memorial on the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas. 

PM Narendra Modi, who participated in the ceremony, wrote in the visitors’ book: “On behalf of the entire nation, I salute the warriors of the 1971 war. The citizens are proud of the brave warriors who wrote unparalleled tales of valour”.

“The country remembers the sacrifices of the soldiers who lost their lives in this war. The country will always remain indebted to soldiers for their supreme sacrifice. Their loyalty, sacrifice and dedication will keep inspiring the generations to come,” he added, as reported by ANI.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. PM Modi also laid a wreath at the war memorial.

‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ commemorates 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war and the formation of Bangladesh. President Ram Nath Kovind attended Bangladesh’s 50th Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka today as a guest of honour.

Meanwhile, whether or not BJP leaders respond to Congress party’s statements ⎯ remains to be seen.

(With Agency Inputs)