Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 27 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 61st death anniversary, describing him as the architect of modern India.

Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah lauded Nehru's contributions to building key industries and infrastructure and said his legacy continues to guide the nation's progress.

'Today, we are holding a remembrance event in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years and accomplished many things during his tenure. Nehru was instrumental in establishing a mixed economy, major industries, dams, and key infrastructure. He laid the foundation for modern India, and every Indian must continue to remember and honour him,' said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reporters.

On the sidelines of the event, Siddaramaiah also briefed the media on the government's preparedness in the wake of a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases across Karnataka. He said that although the current variant is not severe, the administration is taking all necessary precautions to prevent any possible outbreak.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on his 61st death anniversary.

'Tributes to our former PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary,' PM Modi said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, also paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister.

In a post on X, Gandhi remembered Nehru's 'visionary leadership' in laying a strong foundation for independent India.

'Respectful tribute to India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his death anniversary. With the dream of a strong and inclusive India, Nehruji laid a strong foundation for independent India with his visionary leadership. His contribution in the establishment of social justice, modernity, education, constitution and democracy is invaluable. The legacy of Jawahar of India and his ideals will always guide us,' Rahul Gandhi said.

Jawaharlal Nehru was a freedom fighter who was pivotal in India's freedom movement. He also became India's first Prime Minister after independence in 1947.

Nehru remained at the post for more than 16 years and died due to a heart attack on 27th May 1964. After that, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as the second Prime Minister of India.

Nehru is considered the pioneer of India's Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). For his love for children, Nehru was also called 'Chacha Nehru', and his birth anniversary on November 14, is celebrated as Children's Day every year in India. (ANI)