PM Modi on Nehru, Takes a Dig at Congress

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. PM Narendra Modi recommended reading ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis’ in Parliament.
2. His remark is seen as a counter to Rahul Gandhi’s claim about foreign affairs.
3. The book sheds light on the 1962 India-China war and Nehru-Kennedy relations.
4. Social media highlighted controversial excerpts, sparking debates.
5. The political tussle between BJP and Congress over Nehru’s legacy continues.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

PM Modi’s Remark and Political Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested reading the book ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis’ during a parliamentary session. His statement came in response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the Indian government sent the External Affairs Minister “three or four times” to secure an invitation for PM Modi to Donald Trump’s inauguration.

PM Modi said, “This book exposes the games played in the name of foreign policy when the country was facing serious challenges.” His remark is widely interpreted as a political jibe at Congress.

What is ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis’?

Written by Bruce Riedel, ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis: Tibet, the CIA, and the Sino-Indian War’ explores the 1962 India-China war and Nehru’s diplomacy with US President John F. Kennedy. The book reveals that Nehru requested Kennedy’s support in providing fighter jets to counter Chinese aggression.

Additionally, the book highlights Nehru’s alleged personal interest in Pat Kennedy, the US President’s 27-year-old sister. Social media has reacted strongly to these claims, igniting fresh debates on Nehru’s legacy.

Political Fallout and Social Media Reaction

The book’s revelations have sparked controversy, with Congress and BJP engaging in a war of words. The issue gained traction after the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library requested the Gandhi family to return Nehru’s personal letters to Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of India’s last viceroy.

Meanwhile, excerpts from the book that emerged on social media claim Kennedy described Nehru’s US visit as the “worst state visit” of his presidency. It is also alleged that Nehru seemed more interested in Jacqueline Kennedy than in political discussions with the US President.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• PM Modi recommended the book ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis’ in Parliament.
• His remark was a response to Rahul Gandhi’s foreign policy allegations.
• The book discusses the 1962 India-China war and Nehru-Kennedy relations.
• Social media controversy erupted over excerpts on Nehru’s personal interests.
• BJP and Congress continue to spar over Nehru’s legacy.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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