BJP Leader Criticizes Nehru's Stance on Somnath Temple Reconstruction
BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi has launched a fierce critique of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's stance on the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. He argues that Nehru's letters to key officials reflect a disregard for India's cultural heritage, prioritizing appeasement over national pride. Trivedi's comments come ahead of Prime Minister Modi's participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, raising questions about historical narratives and their impact on contemporary politics. This article delves into the implications of Trivedi's statements and the ongoing discourse surrounding India's historical symbols.
| Jan 7, 2026, 13:20 IST
Criticism of Nehru's Views on Somnath Temple
On Wednesday, Sudhanshu Trivedi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sharply criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's position regarding the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. Trivedi stated that while historical figures like Muhammad Ghazni and Alauddin Khilji plundered the temple, Nehru harbored the most disdain for Lord Somnath. In a post on 'X', he shared a letter allegedly written by Nehru to former Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, in which Nehru referred to him as 'dear Nawabzada' and dismissed the story of the temple's doors as entirely false.
Trivedi argued that this letter reflects a form of capitulation, indicating that Nehru preferred to downplay the importance of the temple's reconstruction rather than protect India's civilizational heritage. According to him, instead of confronting Pakistan's propaganda, Nehru chose to undermine Hindu historical symbols to appease Pakistan, prioritizing external validation over national self-confidence.
In another post on 'X', Trivedi claimed that Nehru was completely opposed to the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. He noted that Nehru wrote letters to cabinet ministers, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, questioning the necessity of the temple's reconstruction and advising them not to attend its inauguration ceremony.
He mentioned that Nehru allegedly wrote to all Indian Chief Ministers twice, complaining that the construction of the temple would damage India's image abroad.
Trivedi also wrote to Information and Broadcasting Minister R.R. Diwakar, urging him to minimize coverage of the consecration ceremony, labeling it as ostentatious and claiming it would harm India's international reputation. This incident comes as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv ceremony from January 8 to January 11, which will feature various events highlighting India's spiritual heritage, cultural pride, and social values.