A fresh political salvo from BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi targets Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming the iconic leader thwarted Somnath Temple’s reconstruction until Sardar Patel intervened decisively. The disclosure, rooted in historical correspondence, stirs memories of Congress’s internal fault lines.
Perched in Prabhas Patan, Somnath endured 17 destructions, the last by Aurangzeb. Independence offered redemption: Patel proposed rebuilding as a unifying act, fostering pride among riot-weary Hindus.
Nehru resisted vehemently, arguing in letters that state involvement in temple work contradicted socialist ideals and risked unrest. ‘It would set a dangerous precedent,’ Trivedi paraphrased Nehru, contrasting it with Patel’s appeal: ‘Somnath is India’s soul.’
Patel’s strategy triumphed through non-governmental channels, amassing crores voluntarily. The 1951 consecration became a milestone, though Nehru skipped key rituals, delegating to the President.
Trivedi’s narrative positions this as emblematic of Nehru’s disconnect from cultural nationalism, bolstering BJP’s ‘real history’ push. Skeptics counter that Nehru greenlit other restorations, like Kashi Vishwanath, framing his Somnath stance as fiscal prudence.
Fast-forward, Somnath exemplifies heritage tourism, with recent upgrades by PM Modi. The temple’s story transcends politics, embodying perseverance.
Trivedi’s comments ignite scholarly scrutiny and public debate, enriching understanding of leaders’ dilemmas. In an era of cultural assertions, it spotlights how early choices echo in today’s identity politics.