Jairam Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members “fraudulent nationalists”. NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Jawaharlal Nehru as the finest prime minister India has produced, while naming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the country’s best prime minister who never got the opportunity to hold the office.In a wide-ranging interview with news agency PTI, Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members “fraudulent nationalists”, and labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi “the master of falsehoods”.During a rapid-fire segment, the Rajya Sabha MP was asked to give one-word responses to a series of questions. When asked to identify India’s best prime minister, he replied, “undoubtedly Jawaharlal Nehru”. On who he considered the best prime minister the country could not have, Ramesh chose Sardar Patel.Asked to pick between his previous ministerial assignments, Ramesh said he preferred his stint as environment minister over rural development minister. He also favoured his role overseeing the Congress party’s communications strategy over serving as an AICC in-charge for any state.When presented with three different descriptions of himself, writer, strategist and environment conservationist, Ramesh said all were part of the same individual.”I enjoyed writing a large number of books in the last 10 years. I enjoyed researching, going to the archives. Topics that had been on my mind that I could write and which I wrote on. So each role is different. I enjoy being an MP, I enjoy raising questions on environment and I enjoy writing,” Ramesh said.The Congress general secretary also reflected on his entry into politics, crediting former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for encouraging him to join the party full-time.Asked how his political journey began, Ramesh said, “That’s entirely because of Mr. Rajiv Gandhi you know through Mr. Sam Pitroda, we had worked with the then prime minister on technology missions and then Mr. Gandhi lost the election and in 1990 sometime Mr. Pitroda and I had spoken to him and Mr. Gandhi said come and work with us full-time for the party because elections are around the corner.””So that’s how it started and then I continued. So this is my 35th year with the Congress party,” he added.Ramesh said he had previously worked with the Rajiv Gandhi government in the Ministry of Industry and the Planning Commission, before collaborating directly with the then prime minister through Pitroda on technology missions.”So, he (Rajiv) was the inspirational figure and he was the one who encouraged a lot of younger people from non-political backgrounds. I come from a completely non-political background. So he encouraged all this and no doubt that he was the inspiration, the starting point,” Ramesh said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong Questions Trade Strategy As India-US Agreement Enters Final Negotiation PhaseAmerica’s Cancer Drug Crisis: How India Could Help Prevent Treatment DisruptionsIndia Set To Restart ₹915 Crore RITES Project Railway Coach Exports To BangladeshAdani Mundra Airport Starts Commercial Operations As First Star Air Flight Lands From GoaNew Book Reveals Trump Rejected Proposal To Send Indian Peacekeepers To UkraineHyderabad Gets ‘Donald Trump Avenue’ As Telangana Renames Road Outside US ConsulateSindhi Community Raises Concerns Over Utilisation Of 200 Kg Silver Donation Made For Ram MandirIndia Hits Back At Pakistan At UN, Reaffirms Jammu & Kashmir Is Strictly An Internal MatterMumbai Faces Widespread Waterlogging As Delayed Monsoon Arrival Brings Heavy Rain And DisruptionsAkhilesh Yadav Says BJP Using Mohan Yadav Land Allegations To Prepare Chief Ministerial Changes123PhotostoriesGardening ideas for small balconies: 5 Smart ways to create a green oasis in limited spaceJuly 2026 Hollywood OTT releases: ‘Enola Holmes 3’ to ‘Heartstopper Forever’Psychology says the happiest couples share one unexpected habit; and no, it’s not saying ‘I love you’Psychology says Indian women who love staying at home often share these 11 unique traitsSara Ali Khan gives Princess Diana’s ‘Revenge Dress’ a 2026 upgrade in front of the British royaltyLove desserts? 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NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Jawaharlal Nehru as the finest prime minister India has produced, while naming Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the country’s best prime minister who never got the opportunity to hold the office.In a wide-ranging interview with news agency PTI, Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members “fraudulent nationalists”, and labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi “the master of falsehoods”.During a rapid-fire segment, the Rajya Sabha MP was asked to give one-word responses to a series of questions. When asked to identify India’s best prime minister, he replied, “undoubtedly Jawaharlal Nehru”. On who he considered the best prime minister the country could not have, Ramesh chose Sardar Patel.Asked to pick between his previous ministerial assignments, Ramesh said he preferred his stint as environment minister over rural development minister. He also favoured his role overseeing the Congress party’s communications strategy over serving as an AICC in-charge for any state.When presented with three different descriptions of himself, writer, strategist and environment conservationist, Ramesh said all were part of the same individual.“I enjoyed writing a large number of books in the last 10 years. I enjoyed researching, going to the archives. Topics that had been on my mind that I could write and which I wrote on. So each role is different. I enjoy being an MP, I enjoy raising questions on environment and I enjoy writing,” Ramesh said.The Congress general secretary also reflected on his entry into politics, crediting former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for encouraging him to join the party full-time.Asked how his political journey began, Ramesh said, “That’s entirely because of Mr. Rajiv Gandhi you know through Mr. Sam Pitroda, we had worked with the then prime minister on technology missions and then Mr. Gandhi lost the election and in 1990 sometime Mr. Pitroda and I had spoken to him and Mr. Gandhi said come and work with us full-time for the party because elections are around the corner.”“So that’s how it started and then I continued. So this is my 35th year with the Congress party,” he added.Ramesh said he had previously worked with the Rajiv Gandhi government in the Ministry of Industry and the Planning Commission, before collaborating directly with the then prime minister through Pitroda on technology missions.“So, he (Rajiv) was the inspirational figure and he was the one who encouraged a lot of younger people from non-political backgrounds. I come from a completely non-political background. So he encouraged all this and no doubt that he was the inspiration, the starting point,” Ramesh said.
