Bengaluru, Nov 14 (NationPress) In light of the Mahaghatbandhan's defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Friday that it is essential to respect the people's mandate.

He addressed reporters in Bengaluru following a ceremony to honor the statue of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.

“We will acknowledge the decision made by the people of Bihar,” he remarked. When questioned about whether the setback had fortified his standing within the Congress party, Siddaramaiah opted not to respond.

There are persistent rumors regarding a potential leadership shift in Karnataka, with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar striving to secure the Chief Minister's role.

Reflecting on Nehru's birth anniversary, Siddaramaiah expressed, “Today marks the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister post-Independence. We observe this day as Children’s Day.”

“Nehru possessed a unique affection for children, recognizing that today's youth represent the nation's future. His endearment for children earned him the title of ‘Chacha Nehru’,” the Chief Minister noted.

“It is crucial to recognize that if anyone can be deemed the architect of modern India, it is Jawaharlal Nehru. During his academic years, he absorbed the essence of patriotism and envisioned a struggle against British rule,” he continued.

Siddaramaiah highlighted Nehru's role as one of Mahatma Gandhi's closest followers, actively engaging in the freedom movement. He endured approximately nine years of imprisonment under British rule, making significant sacrifices for the nation's independence.

“The nation’s budget post-Independence was merely Rs 197 crore. Nehru was instrumental in expanding it to four digits within a short span. He had a deep interest in agriculture and irrigation, laying the groundwork for a scientific approach in the country,” he explained.

“Nehru initiated the Five-Year Plans aimed at nation-building. The existence of industries, reservoirs, and dams across India today can be attributed to his contributions,” Siddaramaiah asserted.

“He also played a pivotal role in achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and food production. We must remember such a remarkable figure who served as Prime Minister for 17 years. The BJP seems solely focused on criticizing Nehru and Gandhi,” he remarked.

He claimed that BJP leaders did not take part in the struggle for independence. “It was Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru who secured freedom for the country,” he stated.

“Whether it’s the BJP, Narendra Modi, or the RSS, their primary objective appears to be disparaging Gandhi and Nehru,” Siddaramaiah concluded.