Sonia Gandhi slams 'project to vilify Nehru'
What's the story
Congress MP Sonia Gandhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to "denigrate, distort, demean and defame" India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India Today reported. She was speaking at an event held at the launch of the Nehru Centre India at Jawahar Bhawan. Although she didn't name the BJP or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), it was clear who she was targeting.
Accusations made
Gandhi accuses BJP of systematic attempt to vilify Nehru
Gandhi alleged that the BJP's main objective is not only to erase Nehru but also to destroy the social, political, and economic foundations of India. She said this project is aimed at diminishing Nehru as a personality and his role in India's independence struggle. "Let there be no doubt whatsoever that the project to vilify Jawaharlal Nehru is the main objective of the ruling establishment today," she said.
Legacy defense
Gandhi defends Nehru's legacy against systematic attempts
Gandhi said Nehru was the architect of modern India, and his legacy continues to shape everyday lives. She welcomed analysis of his contributions but condemned the deliberate mischief with what he said and did. "What is not acceptable is the systematic attempt being made to denigrate, distort, demean, and defame him," she added. She also slammed the ideology behind this project, saying it had no role in either India's freedom movement or in the making of the Constitution.
Ideology critique
Gandhi criticizes ideology behind Nehru vilification project
Gandhi said this ideology fanned hate that led to Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and glorifies his killers. "It is an ideology with a bigoted and viciously communal outlook," she added. Calling for a fierce defense of the Nehruvian legacy, Gandhi said this is not an act of nostalgia but a commitment to restoring India's constitutional promise and ensuring a modern, forward-looking republic.
Legacy defense
Gandhi calls for defense of Nehruvian legacy
Elaborating on the Nehruvian legacy, the former Congress chief said, "If we succeed, it will not only honor Jawaharlal Nehru's memory; it will ensure that the India he envisioned remains a reality." Her remarks come days after Rajnath Singh alleged that Nehru wanted to utilize public funds to build the Babri Masjid. A furious Congress called the claim a lie and accused Rajnath of attempting to fuel polarisation.