Cong congratulates ISRO for Chandrayaan launch, says 'good time' to remember Nehru for funding space research

The Congress on Monday congratulated ISRO for the successful launch of its lunar mission Chandrayaan-2, and sought to take credit for India's advancement in space research by highlighting steps taken by its two prime ministers --Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Manmohan Singh.

However, the BJP hit back accusing the Congress of drawing the issue into political arena.

"Congratulations Team ISRO for the successful launch of Chandryaan2," the Congress tweeted.

"This is a good time to remember the visionary move of India's first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to fund space research through INCOSPAR in 1962 which later became ISRO. And also Dr Manmohan Singh for sanctioning the Chandrayan2 project in 2008," it added.

The comments came soon after India successfully launched Chandrayaan-2 on board its powerful rocket GSLV-MkIII-M1 from the Sriharikota spaceport to explore the unchartered south pole of the moon by landing a rover.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the Congress, saying, "this is really demeaning.. It's a proud moment for every Indian. Shouldn't have been drawn into the political arena.

"By the way when there is No future leadership in view there's a tendency to fall back on the past to stay relevant ..sadly this is what has happened to the Congress," Patra said on Twitter.

Earlier hailing the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, "Special moments that will be etched in the annals of our glorious history. The launch of Chandrayaan2 illustrates the prowess of our scientists and the determination of 130 crore Indians to scale new frontiers of science. Every Indian is immensely proud today."
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma had yesterday said,"India's space journey began with Pt Nehru, and took a giant leap in 1975 with the launch of Aryabhat, led by charismatic PM Indira Gandhi. ISRO has many notable achievements including Chandrayaan (2008) and Mangalayaan (2013). Wishing Team ISRO all the best for Chandrayaan2."