New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Congress MP Jairam Ramesh praised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for her leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, recalling Pakistan’s surrender and the creation of Bangladesh. Ramesh emphasized that even the presence of the US Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal did not deter Gandhi from achieving victory.
In a post on X, Ramesh wrote, “Now it’s time to remember that historic event from the second week of December 1971, which is clearly recorded in official documents.” He highlighted that the Nixon-Kissinger administration sent a nuclear-powered US Seventh Fleet naval task force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, to the Bay of Bengal. However, Gandhi remained resolute, leading to Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971.
Indira Gandhi’s Role in the Creation of Bangladesh
The 1971 war marked a pivotal moment in South Asian history, resulting in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. Under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India supported the independence movement in East Pakistan, despite Pakistan launching airstrikes on Indian airbases. Gandhi’s decisive actions are credited with significantly contributing to the successful outcome.
Congress Leaders Reflect on Indira’s Legacy
Posters with slogans like “Indira Hona Aasan Nahi” and “India Misses Indira” were displayed outside the Congress headquarters, reflecting on Gandhi’s legacy as a strong leader. Congress leader KC Venugopal posted historic images of Gandhi on X, stating, “Times have passed when any nation sitting 3-4 thousand miles away could give orders to Indians. India terribly misses Indira Gandhi ji today!”
Pawan Khera and Ashok Gehlot also posted tributes to Gandhi on social media, with Gehlot stating on Facebook, “Indira Ji, today the whole country is remembering you…”
Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
The reminiscences come amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian Armed Forces’ recent Operation Sindoor, targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, was a decisive response to the attack.
Congress leaders’ reflections on Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the 1971 war highlight her enduring legacy as a symbol of strength and resilience, especially during times of national crisis. (ANI)
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