Nehru built institutions, BJP weakening them: Cong

Lucknow: UP Congress functionaries on Wednesday paid tributes to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 62nd death anniversary at the party’s state headquarters, while criticising the BJP-led Centre over governance and the alleged weakening of institutions.“Govt is busy changing names and weakening institutions created over decades, but Congress will continue to raise issues concerning the public,” said UPCC chief Ajay Rai while speaking at a seminar titled Kal, Aaj aur Kal.He added: “Pandit Nehru was a visionary leader who laid the foundation of modern India and built institutions that strengthened the country. The scale of development initiated during his time remains unmatched even today.”In contrast, the ‘double engine’ BJP govts not only lacked vision but also set aside the spirit of public interest and service, Rai said.Citing the recent Mahoba gangrape case as an example, Rai said: “Congress continues to nurture Nehru’s legacy of commitment to public service… But the double engine govts misuse technology and govt machinery to suppress opposition voices. However, we will not be deterred.”Former Lucknow University professor Ramesh Dixit said Nehru’s contribution to shaping India’s democratic and secular values remains significant even today. He said Nehru’s ideas of pluralism continue to guide the country’s constitutional framework.Congress media department chairman and former minister CP Rai said Nehru played a defining role in building a modern and self-reliant India after Independence and also established India’s global identity through Panchsheel and the Non-Aligned Movement.