Congress criticises lack of ministers at Nehru birth anniversary function

The Indian National Congress saw a spate of infighting and criticism today with senior Congress leaders remarking on the conspicuous absence of leaders during the function commemorating the birth anniversary of the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The function involves tributes of flowers and paying respects at Shantivan grounds.

"Extraordinary scene today in Parliament at the traditional function to mark the birth anniversary of those whose portraits adorn the Central Hall. Speaker Lok Sabha absent. Chairman Rajya Sabha absent. Not a single Minister present. Can it get more atrocious than this?!" tweeted Jairam Ramesh who is Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha.

Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien remarked that such a dispensation was 'ruininf' the political bastions of India including the Parliament itself.

The function at the Central Hall this morning was attended by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma. Besides, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and other members of parliament were present.

The portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru was unveiled by then President of India, Dr S Radhakrishnan, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on 5 May, 1966.