The Congress' attempt on Monday to claim credit for the successful launch of India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 by highlighting the role of its two prime ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, triggered a row with the BJP accusing the opposition party of politicising the event through its "demeaning" remarks.
In its tweet, the Congress also mentioned former prime minister Manmohan Singh for sanctioning the Chandrayan2 project in 2008, evoking a sharp reaction from the ruling party spokesperson Sambit Patra, who said that there is a tendency to fall back on the past when there is "no future leadership" in view.
Congratulating the ISRO for the successful launch, the Congress tweeted,"this is a good time to remember the visionary move of India's first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to fund space research through INCOSPAR in 1962 which later became ISRO. And also Dr Manmohan Singh for sanctioning the Chandrayan-2 project in 2008."
Earlier hailing the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, "special moments that will be etched in the annals of our glorious history. The launch of Chandrayaan-2 illustrates the prowess of our scientists and the determination of 130 crore Indians to scale new frontiers of science. Every Indian is immensely proud today."
Echoing his party's line, Congress spokesperson Rajeev Gowda said,"from building Aryabhatta in makeshift asbestos sheds in Peenya, Bangalore in 1970s to success of Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Chandrayaan-2 today, our space program's incredible success is our national pride. Kudos to ISRO, our scientists, engineers and visionary leaders from PM Nehru onward."
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma had also on Sunday said,"India's space journey began with Pt Nehru, and took a giant leap in 1975 with the launch of Aryabhat, led by charismatic PM Indira Gandhi. ISRO has many notable achievements including Chandrayaan (2008) and Mangalayaan (2013). Wishing Team ISRO all the best for Chandrayaan-2."