Modi also paid homage to Nanaji Deshmukh, a leading member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, on his birth anniversary.
Modi said, his dedication and service for the empowerment of villagers, especially the deprived sections, will always be remembered.
A fierce socialist and freedom fighter, Narayan, fondly called JP, led a popular movement against the Indira Gandhi government’s alleged corruption and repressive politics in the 70s before she imposed an Emergency.
He then united opposition parties and rallied the masses against Congress in the first election after the Emergency in 1977, scripting a crushing defeat for the ruling party.
Associated with the RSS, Deshmukh was an active member of the anti-emergency movement and later quit politics to become a social activist who dedicated his life to improving the lives of villagers, especially in the Bundelkhand region. Both Narayan and Deshmukh are recipients of Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
