Nuapada/Bhubaneswar, Odisha: “Nehru wanted Patel as Prime Minister, not the other way around,” said AICC Odisha in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu during a tribute event marking the 41st death anniversary of Indira Gandhi and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This supports the oft-discussed idea that Nehru wanted Patel as PM during the formative years of Indian leadership. The statement was made to clarify the historical context where Nehru reportedly preferred Patel for the nation’s leadership. The event, held at Khuntia Bhavan, was organized by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). It was under the coordination of media cell chairman Aravind Das.
Lallu accused right-wing groups of spreading false narratives about the Nehru-Patel relationship. He urged Congress workers to study the party’s glorious past.
“If our cadres truly understand Congress history, no propaganda can mislead them,” he stated.
Presiding over the meeting, PCC president Bhakta Charan Das said
India today needs bold leadership like Indira Gandhi, who stood firm against global pressure during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He recalled her historic 20-Point Programme that uplifted millions of poor citizens. “Even today, in regions like Koraput and Nabarangpur, the Congress vote reflects people’s love for Indira,” he added.
Das also emphasized that the party’s duty does not end with celebrating anniversaries. Instead, members should follow the ideals of leaders like Nehru, Indira, and Patel to strengthen both the organization and the nation. “Sardar Patel’s life remains a guiding light for India’s unity,” he remarked.
The event began with floral tributes and lamp lighting before a recorded message from Rahul Gandhi was played. Among those present were Siddharth Swarup Das, Sasmita Behera, Meenakshi Bahinipati, and Dr. Rajan Ekka.
Ending the ceremony, Congress spokesperson Dr. Hamid Hussain delivered the vote of thanks. He reaffirmed that India’s progress lies in respecting historical truth rather than rewriting it.
