CR Kesavan Accuses Congress of “Sidelining Patriots,” Highlights Modi Govt’s Tribal Welfare Initiatives

By A Staff Reporter

Chennai: BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of decades-long efforts to promote only the Nehru–Gandhi family while sidelining other towering figures of India’s freedom movement. Speaking at a press briefing in Chennai, Kesavan said the BJP-led government had worked to restore long-overdue recognition to several national icons, especially those from tribal communities.

“For decades, the Congress party, with their very narrow motive to glorify only the Nehru-Gandhi family, deliberately sidelined great patriots,” he said. Kesavan noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised inclusivity in national commemorations.

He highlighted the significance of November 15—the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda—which the Modi government formally designated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. “Today, on November 15th, PM Modi celebrated the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He ensured that November 15 was declared and celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,” Kesavan said.

Pointing to security achievements, he credited the NDA government’s “zero tolerance” policy for dramatically reducing Naxal-related violence. “Naxal terror has been reduced from 126 districts across the nation to just three,” he claimed.