Assam: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticized the government on Vijay Diwas, accusing it of neglecting to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 war.
Gogoi pointed out that while the day holds immense significance in India’s military history, the government failed to acknowledge the sacrifices of the soldiers, and it was only after significant pressure from Congress that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was allowed to raise the issue in Parliament.
“We were expecting a statement from the government honoring the soldiers on this historic day. Instead, it appeared that there was an attempt to prevent Priyanka Gandhi ji from raising her point,” Gogoi remarked, expressing disappointment over the government’s lack of initiative.
He also expressed concern over reports that the iconic photograph of the Pakistan Army’s surrender in 1971, a pivotal moment in India’s military history, was allegedly removed from the Army Headquarters. Gogoi emphasized that when the Congress raised this issue, the government offered no response, which ultimately led to a walkout by Congress members.
“The removal of such a defining symbol of India’s victory in 1971 is deeply troubling,” Gogoi said. “You cannot erase Indira Gandhi’s contribution. You cannot erase the sacrifices of the soldiers of this country.”
The Congress MP reiterated his party’s position against politicizing the army or the sacrifices of soldiers, urging the government to avoid any actions or omissions that could diminish the legacy of India’s armed forces and their historic achievements.