BJP Claims Jawaharlal Nehru Opposed Somnath Temple Reconstruction: Political Debate Revives

As the nation prepares to celebrate the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, political debate over the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple has resurfaced. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has targeted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing him of opposing the temple’s rebuilding. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also remarked that Nehru was not in favor of the reconstruction.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi shared a series of posts on the social media platform X on Wednesday, citing several letters written by Nehru. Trivedi claimed that Nehru did not want the Somnath Temple to be rebuilt, asserting that, while invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Alauddin Khilji had looted Somnath in the past, Nehru displayed the “most hatred” towards Lord Somnath in independent India.

Nehru’s Letter to Pakistan PM

Trivedi highlighted Nehru’s letter dated April 21, 1951, to Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. In the letter, Nehru addressed Khan as “Dear Nawabzada” and dismissed the narrative surrounding the Somnath temple doors as “completely false.” He reportedly conveyed that no plans were underway for the temple’s reconstruction, effectively giving the impression of yielding to Pakistan.

Trivedi questioned why Nehru felt compelled to write to Liaquat Ali Khan regarding Somnath, suggesting that instead of defending India’s cultural and civilizational heritage, Nehru prioritized appeasing Pakistan.

Excluding Top Leaders from the Ceremony

The BJP leader also cited other letters in which Nehru reportedly downplayed the reconstruction and instructed that the President, other dignitaries, and the media should not be involved in the ceremonies. Diplomatic missions were also allegedly advised not to support the Somnath Trust. Trivedi noted that Nehru had questioned the necessity of the temple’s reconstruction to Cabinet ministers, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and suggested they avoid participating in the inauguration events.

PM Modi to Attend Somnath Festival

This political discussion comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Somnath Temple on January 11, to take part in the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, which is being celebrated from January 8 to 11. The festival features programs highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride, and social values.