Discontinuing Rajiv, Indira's stamps political vendetta: Cong

Mumbai: Congress on Tuesday criticised the NDA government's decision to discontinue the postage stamps depicting former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, terming it as an act of "political vindictiveness".

"Politics, policies need to be opposed and there should not be hatred towards individuals. This politics of hatred and vindictiveness is not good for democracy," Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said in a statement today.

"On the one hand, the Government discontinues postage stamps of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, on the other, it plans stamps of Shyamaprasad Mukherji and Deendayal Upadhayaya. This is nothing but vindictiveness," Vikhe Patil said.

The Centre has decided to discontinue stamps of former Prime Ministers, Rajiv and Indira Gandhi, under the new definitive theme of postal stamps. The government has replaced 'Builders of Modern India' theme, which included stamps of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, with 'Makers of India' theme.

However, stamps of Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Mother Teresa have been retained.