‘They never had failed intelligence system': Congress uses Chola reference to attack PM Modi; questions foreign policy on China, Pakistan
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasting his foreign-policy record with the achievements of the Chola dynasty he had praised a day earlier.
On Sunday, PM Modi visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur district, for the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival celebrating Emperor Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary.
Calling the Chola era (roughly 300 BCE–1300 CE) 'a golden age of cultural brilliance, strategic vision and naval prowess,' he released a commemorative coin, performed a symbolic pouring of Ganga water, and hailed Tamil Nadu as a guardian of living heritage.
He also noted that since 2014 India has repatriated more than 600 artefacts, including 36 from Tamil Nadu.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore, in a post on X, said, "Cholas never had a failed intelligence system — unlike your government, Modi ji. Cholas never allowed two neighbours to unite against us, like you did with China & Pakistan."
Accusing PM Modi of surrendering to US President Donald Trump's pressure and stopped Operation Sindoor, Tagore said, "He also said that the Cholas never surrendered to foreign pressure like Trump's ceasefire call.
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Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi, wearing a traditional dhoti and angavastram, invoked the Cholas' contributions to Shaivism and temple architecture, describing their era (300 BCE-1300 CE) as one of India's golden ages, defined by cultural achievement, strategic vision, and naval prowess
"These statues will serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness," PM Modi said.
PM Modi released a commemorative coin in Rajendra Chola's honour and symbolically poured Ganga water at the temple, echoing the emperor's famed expedition to bring the river's waters southward a millennium ago.
"The economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration," Modi said.
"Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive."He also underlined efforts to repatriate India's looted heritage. "Since 2014, over 600 ancient artefacts have been brought back from abroad, including 36 from Tamil Nadu," he said.
While Modi addressed the gathering, dozens of Congress workers in Trichy were detained for waving black flags and protesting his visit.
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