Congress MP Criticizes Defense Minister's Remarks on Nehru

Congress MP Imran Masood Responds to Rajnath Singh

On Wednesday, Congress MP Imran Masood expressed his disapproval of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's comments regarding former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Singh had claimed that Nehru supported the use of government funds for the Babri Masjid.

In a conversation with the media, Masood challenged Singh to provide evidence for his statements, asserting that those in government are spreading falsehoods about Nehru. He emphasized that Singh, being part of the government, should present relevant documents. Masood mentioned that they possess documents indicating that Sardar Patel had written a letter opposing the mindset of Singh's party's predecessor organization, which was subsequently banned. He lamented that it is unfortunate for the government to propagate such untruths in the country.

Rajnath Singh's Defense of His Statements

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated his stance, stating that Nehru intended to use government funds for the construction of the Babri Masjid. However, he noted that the then Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, opposed this idea, as he was a true secularist.

During the 'Sardar Sabha' event held in Vadodara, Singh recalled Patel's approach, contrasting it with Nehru's, and highlighted that Patel did not focus on appeasement, especially when questions arose regarding the reconstruction of the Somnath temple in the Gir Somnath district.

Singh's Remarks on Secularism

Singh emphasized that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a genuine secularist who never believed in appeasement. He pointed out that when Nehru proposed spending government money on the Babri Masjid issue, it was Patel who opposed it, ensuring that the construction did not take place with public funds.