Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Dec 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday sparked a political debate by claiming that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had proposed using public funds to construct the Babri Masjid, but the idea was strongly opposed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was addressing a ‘Unity March’ in Gujarat held to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India.

Singh alleged that certain forces had over the years attempted to sideline Patel’s towering legacy but added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had restored him to his rightful place as a “shining star in the annals of history.”

“Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri Masjid using public funds. If anyone opposed this proposal, it was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born to a Gujarati mother. He did not allow it,” Singh said.

Drawing a comparison with temple restoration works, Singh cited Patel’s role in rebuilding the historic Somnath Temple. He said Nehru had expressed reservations about renovating the shrine, but Patel had clarified that the entire Rs 30 lakh required for the restoration had come from public contributions.

“A trust was formed, and not a single rupee of government money was used. Similarly, the government has not given even one rupee for constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya — the people of India have borne the entire cost. This is true secularism,” Singh asserted.

The Defence Minister also revisited the political developments of 1946, stating that Nehru became Congress president only after Patel withdrew his nomination at Mahatma Gandhi’s request.

“A majority in the Congress committee had proposed Patel’s name. But when Gandhiji asked him to step aside for Nehru, he did so immediately,” he said.

Singh’s remarks have added fresh fuel to historical and political debates surrounding Nehru, Patel, and the early years of India’s independence.