'They abandoned Sankaran Nair': PM Modi's dig at Congress

Narendra Modi

Accusing the Congress of having sidelined Chettur Sankaran Nair - a lawyer and freedom fighter from Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked the party for abandoning Nair's memory.

PM Modi's remarks came during a rally in Haryana. "They abandoned a brave nationalist because he didn't fit their narrative..." the PM said, declaring that every child in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab should know about Sankaran Nair," remarked PM Modi.

He also accused the Congress of having sidelined Sankaran Nair and other freedom fighters from its history, including Dr BR Ambedkar, over whose legacy there is a perennial political squabble.

The Prime Minister praised civil rights advocate and freedom fighter, Chettur Sankaran Nair, for challenging British rule in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

“There was Baisakhi in Punjab, but it was also the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. One aspect of this massacre has remained in the dark — it is a humanitarian issue. There was a man named Sankaran Nair, whose name many may not have heard. He was a prominent lawyer holding a high post in the British government. He could have enjoyed all the perks and luxuries, but he chose to give it all up,” PM Modi said.

“Though he was from Kerala and the incident happened in Punjab, he fought the case and moved the British. Sankaran Nair ensured that the British government was brought to the court of law. This is what makes India great — one India, a united India,” he added.

He further appealed to the public to remember and recognise Nair’s contributions, “The people of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh should know about Sankaran Nair. Every adult and child should be aware of his contributions. We must remember him — he is an inspiration and a symbol of our patriotic spirit.”