As India celebrates the 50 years of its victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, the Congress Party said on Thursday that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who played a key role in
the conflict, was omitted at the Vijay Diwas celebration.
On December 16, Delhi hosted a celebration of India's resounding triumph over Pakistan.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has slammed the “misogynist” government. “Our first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi is being left out
of the misogynist BJP government’s Vijay Diwas celebrations. This, on the 50th anniversary of the day that she led India to victory and liberated Bangladesh,” wrote Ms Vadra.
“Narendra Modi Ji, women don’t believe your platitudes. Your patronising attitude is unacceptable. It’s about time you started giving women their due,”
said the leader in a thread of tweets.
Rahul Gandhi, Ms Gandhi Vadra's brother, was equally harsh.
During a rally in Uttrakhand's Dehradun, the Lok Sabha MP stated, "Today a function was organised in Delhi regarding the Bangladesh war. But there was no mention of Indira Gandhi
in that function."
"The name of the woman who took 32 bullets for this country was not on the invitation because this government is terrified of the truth," he added.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted respect to Indira Gandhi and the 1971 war martyrs.
"Remembering the martyrs and veterans of the 1971 war. India won the war to save the idea of democracy under the able leadership of Former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi ji. Jai Hind!"
the tweet read.
Congress’ protest comes at a time when the party has strongly been advocating for the women of India. Last week, Ms Gandhi Vadra launched a “woman manifesto” that allegedly
offers free LPG cylinders, cash transfers and a promise to fight for greater representation for women in legislative bodies.
Vijay Diwas 2021
On Vijay Diwas, East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh) gained independence after India's victory.
The war in East Pakistan began on December 3, 1971, and ended 13 days later, on December 16, with the Pakistan army's unconditional surrender.
Pakistan sustained the most casualties in this war, with around 8,000 slain and 25,000 injured, while India lost 3000 soldiers and 12,000 were injured.
During the 1971 war, Indira Gandhi led the Congress government in power.