Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Wednesday issued a strong rebuttal to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent claims that Jawaharlal Nehru intended to rebuild the Babri Masjid using public funds and that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel opposed it. Tagore described these assertions as “lies” lacking any archival or documentary evidence.
In a pointed statement on his official X handle, Tagore said, “There is zero archival or documentary evidence to support this claim. Nehruji explicitly opposed using government money for religious places—including the reconstruction of temples. He insisted such projects should be funded through public contributions, not the state.”
Tagore further emphasized, “If Nehruji refused public funds even for Somnath—a symbol revered by millions—why would he propose spending taxpayer money on Babri?” He dismissed Rajnath Singh’s statements as politically motivated attempts to rewrite history for divisive purposes.
“Rajnath ji’s statements aren’t about history. They’re about politics—rewriting the past to divide the present. The BJP’s strategy is simple: insult our founders, invent stories, fuel polarization. We will not allow the legacy of Nehru or Patel to be distorted by Godse’s followers. Truth matters. History matters. Rajnath ji’s lies must be exposed,” Tagore asserted.
This rebuttal highlights the continuing political tussle over historical narratives in India, reflecting the deep sensitivities surrounding the country’s founding leaders and communal harmony.
