Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday paid glowing tributes to the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, saying despite ideological differences, no one can doubt his intention to work for the welfare of people and nation building.
“There are many issues in which we have differences with Nehru. We have differences over his policies, but we can’t doubt his intention to work for the welfare of people and nation building,” he said at a function organised on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Nehru.
Mr. Singh, a veteran BJP leader, said he may not see Nehru, a Congressman, in the “political mirror” but could always see him in the “national mirror”.
The Home Minister said due to the immense contributions of leaders like Nehru, India today has a vibrant Parliament, an efficient bureaucracy, independent judiciary and fearless press.
“It was because of the contributions of leaders like Nehru, India has become the largest democracy in the world, India is now celebrating the success of democracy,” he said.
Mr. Singh said it was under the stewardship of Nehru that the country had set up large industries in Bhilai, Rourkela, top institutions like IITs and IIM and nuclear plants.
“Even though Nehru had emphasised on industrialisation, he knew that agriculture was the key for the country. He had said ‘I am all for industry and I am all for steel plants. But agriculture is far more important than industry’,” he said quoting Nehru.
The Home Minister said Nehru always took the initiative for proper education and guidance for children as he had realised that India would be a developed country only when its children are properly educated.
Mr. Singh said Nehru was also one of the tallest world leaders of his time and under his bold leadership, the Non Aligned Movement was initiated.
“Nehru’s policies on economy and science and technology were commendable. He only first launched the projects under the public-private partnership which are more relevant today,” he said