Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday, 27 May paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at Shanti Van in New Delhi, marking his 61st death anniversary. The Gandhi siblings invoked Nehru's legacy of building an inclusive and progressive India, with both posting tributes on social media platform X.

What the Gandhi Siblings Said

Rahul Gandhi, posting on X after the tribute at Shanti Van, said: 'On the death anniversary of the country's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji, heartfelt tribute to him. While laying the strong foundation of modern India, he dedicated his entire life to building an inclusive, harmonious, and progressive India.'

The Leader of Opposition added: 'His visionary leadership, rooted in independence, democratic principles, constitutional rights, social justice, and a scientific outlook, will forever guide us.'

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also posting on X, quoted Nehru directly: 'Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji used to say that a country progresses only when its millions of people prosper and are happy.' She noted that Nehru established foundational institutions in education, health, science, technology, industry, and agriculture — and that India continues to stand on that foundation today.

Nehru's Legacy and Institutional Contribution

Nehru's tenure as India's first Prime Minister, from 15 August 1947 until his death on 27 May 1964, remains the longest uninterrupted stint in the office. During his 17 years in power, he oversaw the construction of large public institutions across sectors that continue to shape modern India. He is widely credited as the architect of India's scientific and industrial infrastructure, including the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology and the foundational framework for the country's steel and space programmes.

Priyanka described him as 'the great freedom fighter, the country's first Prime Minister, and the architect of modern India' who 'will forever remain alive in the memories of the nation.'

Nehru's Journey: From Allahabad to New Delhi

Born in Allahabad on 14 November 1889, Nehru received early education at home before travelling to England at the age of 15 for higher studies. He returned to India in 1912 and soon entered active politics. In 1929, he was elected President of the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (INC), under whose leadership the Congress formally adopted complete independence as its ultimate goal. He was imprisoned nine times during the freedom struggle.

The Significance of 27 May

Nehru passed away on 27 May 1964 following a heart attack. The anniversary is observed annually by the Congress party and its leaders as an occasion to reaffirm commitment to the constitutional and democratic values he championed. This year's tribute comes at a time when debates over India's founding ideals — secularism, scientific temper, and institutional independence — remain sharply contested in the political arena. Notably, the tribute by the Gandhi siblings carries added weight given the Congress's current position as the principal opposition force in Parliament.