Nationalism, 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' being misused to construct militant idea of India: Manmohan Singh

Nationalism and the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' are being misused to construct a "militant and purely emotional" idea of India that excludes millions of residents and citizens, former prime minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday, in an apparent attack on the BJP.

Addressing a gathering at the launch of a book on Jawaharlal Nehru's works and speeches, Manmohan Singh said that if India is recognised in the comity of nations as a vibrant democracy and, if it is considered as one of the important world powers, it was the first prime minister, who should be recognised as its main architect.

Jawaharlal Nehru had led this country in its volatile and formative days when it adopted a democratic way of life, accommodating divergent social and political views, Manmohan Singh said.