Bengaluru, Nov 14 (NationPress) In light of the Mahagathbandhan's defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed on Friday that it is essential to honor the decision of the electorate.

This remark was made during a press interaction in Bengaluru after he paid tribute to the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Prime Minister, on his birth anniversary.

“We will respect the people's verdict in Bihar,” he stated. When queried about whether this setback has fortified his position within the Congress party, Siddaramaiah chose not to comment.

It is noteworthy that speculation regarding a leadership shift in Karnataka is rampant, with Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar reportedly striving for the CM position.

Discussing Nehru's birth anniversary, Siddaramaiah remarked, “Today marks the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister after India's independence. We observe his birthday as Children’s Day.”

“Nehru held a deep affection for children, recognizing that they represent the future of our nation. His fondness earned him the nickname ‘Chacha Nehru’,” the Chief Minister elaborated.

“If anyone deserves the title of the architect of modern India, it is Jawaharlal Nehru. During his formative years, he embraced the spirit of nationalism and envisioned a movement against British rule,” he added.

According to Siddaramaiah, Nehru became one of Mahatma Gandhi's cherished disciples, actively participating in the freedom movement, even facing imprisonment for nearly nine years while making significant sacrifices for India's independence.

“At the time of independence, the nation's budget was merely ₹197 crore. Within a few years, he transformed it into a four-digit figure. Nehru was profoundly interested in agriculture and irrigation, laying the groundwork for a scientific approach in the country,” he stated.

“He initiated the Five-Year Plans, aiming to construct a robust nation. The presence of industries, reservoirs, and dams across the country today can be attributed to Nehru's contributions,” Siddaramaiah emphasized.

“Nehru played a pivotal role in making the country self-sufficient in agriculture and food production. We must remember such a remarkable individual. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years, while the BJP is primarily focused on disparaging Nehru and Gandhi,” he added.

He remarked that BJP leaders did not engage in the fight for freedom against the British, asserting, “It was Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru who led our nation to independence.”

“The BJP, Narendra Modi, and the RSS seem solely dedicated to criticizing Gandhi and Nehru,” Siddaramaiah concluded.