Modi Critiques Congress for Sidelining Freedom Fighter Sankaran Nair

Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress for neglecting Chettur Sankaran Nair’s legacy, accusing them of sidelining important freedom fighters like Ambedkar to elevate the Gandhi family’s image. This criticism is framed within the context of upcoming elections in Kerala and a new film about Nair’s historic legal battle. The BJP aims to claim a progressive narrative in India’s political landscape despite the party’s electoral challenges.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party, stating they have neglected the legacy of Chettur Sankaran Nair, a notable freedom fighter from Kerala, who resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Modi emphasized that Congress has sidelined Nair and prominent figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar due to their narrative preferences, urging that every child in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab should learn about Sankaran Nair’s contributions.

Modi accused Congress of intentionally omitting the legacy of freedom fighters like Sankaran Nair and Ambedkar in favor of promoting the Gandhi family’s image as key leaders in India’s independence struggle. His criticism was part of a larger discourse initiated by BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who condemned the Congress for erasing significant leaders from history for the sake of dynastic politics.

Nair, a distinguished lawyer, openly criticized British authorities in his writings, including remarks on the Jallianwala Bagh incident. His legal battle against Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer culminated in a libel suit in Britain, wherein he ultimately lost and paid damages. The Prime Minister’s address aligns with the impending release of a film about Nair’s life, “Kesari: Chapter 2,” centered on his historic case.

The context of Modi’s statements comes ahead of the critical Assembly elections in Kerala, where the BJP has struggled to gain a foothold. Despite low electoral success, the party highlights slight improvements in its vote share during previous elections as indicators of growth toward establishing a stronger presence in the state.

Prime Minister Modi’s remarks spotlight Congress’s historical neglect of Indian freedom fighters like Chettur Sankaran Nair and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, positioning the BJP as a party advocating for a more inclusive remembrance of India’s independence heroes. This discussion re-emerges amidst political tensions in Kerala, where the BJP aims to enhance its electoral performance in future elections. The ongoing discourse is critical not only for historical recognition but also for shaping contemporary political narratives and electoral strategies.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com