Tue May 27 04:23:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**News Article:**
**Congress Leaders Pay Tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on 61st Death Anniversary, Vow to Defend His Legacy**
**New Delhi, May 27, 2025** – Top leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, commemorated the 61st death anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, at Shanti Van in New Delhi. The Congress party used the occasion to strongly defend Nehru’s legacy against what they described as a sustained effort to “defame, distort, deny, denigrate, diminish, and demolish” his contributions since 2014.
Rahul Gandhi lauded Nehru’s visionary leadership in establishing social justice, modernity, education, the Constitution, and democracy in independent India. Sonia Gandhi offered floral tributes at Nehru’s memorial. Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Nehru as the “creator of modern India” and a champion of unity in diversity.
Congress leaders emphasized Nehru’s role in fostering scientific, economic, and industrial development, stating that modern India is unimaginable without his contributions. Jairam Ramesh criticized those attempting to undermine Nehru’s achievements, asserting that his ideas of an inclusive, secular, and democratic India remain vital. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted Nehru’s commitment to science and technology and his establishment of key institutions that continue to strengthen India. The Congress party reaffirmed its commitment to Nehru’s ideals of democracy, secularism, and scientific temper. Nehru served as India’s first and longest-serving prime minister, passing away in office in 1964.