Congress jibes at PM Modi after Indonesia’s highest civilian honour

The Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, with Jairam Ramesh remarking that Jawaharlal Nehru received the same award posthumously “without having to wrangle it.” Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was conferred with Indonesia’s highest honour ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ medal, saying India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru had gotten it posthumously “without having to wrangle it”.

Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Indonesia’s highest honour ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ medal for his role in strengthening the ties between both the countries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presented the medal to Modi.

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Responding to a post which highlighted that Modi is the second Indian leader after Nehru to receive Indonesia’s highest honour, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on X, “And Nehru got it posthumously without having to wrangle it.” Earlier, Modi said, “This morning, I have also been conferred with Indonesia’s highest honour with immense affection. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians… it belongs to the sentiments of the people of Indonesia, to the historic and intimate ties between India and Indonesia.”

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Ji, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here,” Modi was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s Office in a post on X.

Instituted in 1959, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia is the highest honour in the Republic of Indonesia. This award is given to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia.