BJP tried to malign Nehru's image: Mallu Ravi

Warangal: Congress leaders paid tributes to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 130th birth anniversary on Thursday. A host of leaders garlanded the portrait of Nehru and recalled his contribution to freedom struggle and during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, AICC spokesperson Mallu Ravi said that Nehru was a statesman, visionary and one of the great architects of modern India. "The role of Nehru in the India's freedom struggle was pivotal and the present generation should be made aware of his contribution. The legendary leader's policies on education, economy, international relations, science and technology drove the country to a progressive nation." Ravi said.

Nehru, who believed in scientific knowledge, reasoning and rationality, introduced a five-year-plan which includes free primary education to all. He had also established several higher educational institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) etc., Ravi said.

He found fault with the BJP-led Central government for its designs to denigrate the great leader's image. But the people in the country are well aware of BJP's intentions, he added. "The BJP, which claims credit for abrogating Article 370 and blames Nehru's decision, needs to learn that it was necessary at that point of time to have Jammu and Kashmir as integral part of the country," Ravi said.

Warangal DCC President N Rajender Reddy recalled the services of Nehru in the field of irrigation, education, industries and agriculture. Reddy gave credit to Nehru for the development of cottage industry, a dream of Mahatma Gandhi. Senior leaders E V Srinivas Rao, Bathini Srinivas Rao, Kothapally Srinivas, Meesala Prakash, Puli Anil Kumar and Modem Sridhar Goud were among others present.