'Those having Nehruphobia should recall Nehru's role in Austria': Jairam Ramesh's dig at PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was suffering from "Nehruphobia," and suggested that the PM would benefit from recalling Nehru's significant contributions to Austria's independence.
In a post on X, Ramesh said that Nehru, despite being a frequent target of PM Modi's criticism and defamation, was instrumental in Austria's attainment of independence.
"The Republic of Austria was established fully only on October 26th 1955, which is celebrated as its National Day. One person who was critical to this becoming a reality was none other than the man Mr. Modi loves to hate and defame," Jairam Ramesh said.
Ramesh cited the views of Dr. Hans Kochler, an Austrian academic, who emphasised Nehru's crucial role in the early 1950s in facilitating the emergence of a sovereign and neutral Austria following a decade of occupation by the victorious World War II powers.
The Rajya Sabha MP also shared a quote from former Austrian Chancellor Dr. Bruno Kreisky and referred to him a one of Nehru's 'most ardent global admirers'.
"When the history of this century is written, and that of the men who have put their stamp on it one of the greatest and finest chapters will be the story of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It will be a part of India's most modern history....... Very early Nehru had become one of my instructors," Ramesh wrote in his post quoting Kreisky.

Prime Minister Modi's ongoing visit to Austria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades, coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The trip, spanning from July 9 to 10, will also include an address by the Prime Minister to the Indian community in Austria during the final leg of his visit.