Congress calls Centre's claims about 'Sengol' 'bogus,' Amit Shah reacts
What's the story
Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the Congress of demeaning the "symbol of India's freedom" after the party on Friday questioned the central government's claims that the scepter "Sengol" represents the transfer of power.
In a tweet earlier, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh termed the assertions "bogus" and a "false narrative spread through WhatsApp University" by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Context
Why does this story matter?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to install the "Sengol" inside the new Parliament building on the occasion of its opening event on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Shah called "Sengol" a "symbol of power transfer," and said it will be put near the Lok Sabha Speaker's seat.
The Congress, which is already opposed to PM Modi inaugurating the new Parliament, has added a fresh objection.
Statement
Centre's 'Sengol' claims 'false narratives from WhatsApp University': Ramesh
Questioning the claims regarding the "Sengol," Ramesh asked if the new Parliament is being inaugurated with typically "false narratives from the WhatsApp University."
"The BJP/RSS Distorians stand exposed again with Maximum Claims, Minimum Evidence."
"There is no documented evidence whatsoever of Mountbatten, Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari), and (Jawaharlal) Nehru describing this scepter as a symbol of the transfer of British power to India," he tweeted.
Quote
Finest Rajaji scholars expressed surprise: Ramesh
"All claims to this effect are plain and simple—BOGUS. Wholly and completely manufactured in the minds of a few and dispersed into WhatsApp, and now to the drum-beaters in the media. Two of the finest Rajaji scholars with impeccable credentials have expressed surprise," he said.
Twitter Post
Check Ramesh's full tweet here
Is it any surprise that the new Parliament is being consecrated with typically false narratives from the WhatsApp University? The BJP/RSS Distorians stand exposed yet again with Maximum Claims, Minimum Evidence.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 26, 2023
1. A majestic sceptre conceived of by a religious establishment in… pic.twitter.com/UXoqUB5OkC
Reaction
'Why Congress hate Indian traditions and culture?' asks Amit Shah
Soon after, Shah reacted sharply to the remarks by Congress.
"Why does the Congress party hate Indian traditions and culture so much?" he questioned in a tweet.
Shah also claimed that the "Sengol" was given to Jawaharlal Nehru by a holy Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu to symbolize India's freedom, but it was banished to a museum as a "walking stick."
Twitter Post
Congress insults symbol of India's freedom: Shah
Now, Congress has heaped another shameful insult. The Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a holy Saivite Mutt, itself spoke about the importance of the Sengol at the time of India’s freedom. Congress is calling the Adheenam’s history as BOGUS! Congress needs to reflect on their behaviour.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 26, 2023
Ceremony
C Rajagopalachari suggested 'Sengol ceremony' to Pandit Nehru
Reportedly, when India was about to get independence, Lord Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India, asked then-to-be Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru about the ceremony that should be followed to symbolize the transfer of power.
Nehru consulted C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India, who suggested the Chola model of transferring power by handing over "Sengol."