The Congress on Tuesday accused the Modi Government of “putting obstacles at every step” in the organisation of the two-day commemorative international conference on Jawaharlal Nehru which concluded on Tuesday.
Former Union Minister and senior party leader Anand Sharma, who was the Secretary General of the meet, criticised the media, especially the television channels, for poor coverage despite the presence of “world leaders”. He said the Government did not want the Conference to take place and it denied the party Vigyan Bhavan on November 14 (birth anniversary of Nehru) when it was not being used by anybody.
“We did not get cooperation. A little circular went out from here to (Indian) embassies telling them if world leaders called them, ask them to contact the Congress directly. The aim was to dissuade them from coming. There were many other difficulties,” said Sharma briefing the media about the event.
Earlier in the Valedictory session of the conference at Vigyan Bhawan, a declaration cautioning against tendencies that are divisive and create conflict in society was adopted. The declaration was read by former President of Ghana John Kufuor.
Sharma also was critical of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for making an “uncalled for and sharp comment” against the Congress in connection with the Conference. Justifying the Congress decision of not inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the meet, he said it was “proper” that the party did not call him. “If BJP and RSS invite us, it will be our insult,” a visibly angry Sharma said.
Criticising the electronic media, Sharma said the world leaders were “equally shocked” when they watched news channels, wondering whether the largest democracy was “truly democratic”. “A balance is very important between the ruling party and Opposition,” he said without referring to the coverage given by the media to the Prime Minister who is on a foreign visit.
Besides, he said the fourth estate “owed” a lot to Nehru as the vision of the Congress leadership ensured Press freedom along with Fundamental Rights. “Electronic media, please redeem your respect because the world is watching and nothing remains quiet and uncommented upon. The chariot of democracy has two wheels — ruling and Opposition. We hope everyone will reflect,” he said.
Maintaining that Nehru was an ancient idea, as old as the great rivers and fields of this country he loved, party vice president Rahul Gandhi said he was also a part of living India. “His ideas and his politics are present very much today, even though there are those who wish to rub him out, to erase him and his legacy from the country he so dearly treasured and helped build,” he said in his remarks at the Jawarharlal Nehru Commemorative Plenary session.
lauding Nehru as a leader of great compassion and strong convictions, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke about some political ideologies with “doubtful legacies” and “terrible consequences”.
Former President of Ghana John Kufuor, General Obasanjo of Nigeria and veteran South African freedom fighter Ahmed Kathrada hailed Nehru. Those participated in the conference include former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai also included former Prime Minister Madhav K Nepal of Nepal and Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, Queen Mother of Bhutan besides Asma Jehangir from Pakistan, and leadership delegations from 11 political parties across the globe.