In Lok Sabha debut, Priyanka addresses Nehru-Gandhi criticism head-on: ‘Why don’t you learn from Emergency?’

In her 32-minute speech, she highlighted the contributions made by Nehru and her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, particularly recalling the Public Sector Undertakings set up by the former. She argued that Nehru’s name can be removed from textbooks and speeches but his role in India’s independence and nation-building cannot be erased.

She said the ruling party members talk about the past in Parliament. “What Nehru did… talk about the present. Tell the country… what are you doing. What is your responsibility? Is all the responsibility of Jawaharlal Nehru?” she said.

Taking on Prime Minister Modi, she said he repeatedly bows before the Constitution but turns a blind eye to cries of justice that come from Sambhal, Hathras and Manipur. “Shayad samaj nahin paaye ki Bharat ka samvidhaan, Sangh ka vidhaan nahi hai (Maybe they haven’t understood that India’s Constitution is not Sangh’s legislation),” she said.

She said everyone has heard stories about a king who used to dress up as a commoner and roam the markets to listen to complaints and people’s views. “Lekin aaj ka raja vesh toh badalte hain… lekin na janta ke beech mein jaane ki himmat hai, na alochana sun ne ki (Today’s ruler likes changing clothes… but he doesn’t dare go among the public or listen to criticism).”

She said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had recounted the political developments that happened in the past, and added, “He spoke about 1975 (Emergency)… toh seekh lijiye na aap bhi (why don’t you learn too?)… you also apologise for your mistakes… aap bhi ballot pe chunaav kar lijiye… doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (fight a fair election, things will become clear).”