New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – The Congress party has strongly refuted claims made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's alleged intentions to rebuild the Babri Masjid with public funds. The sharp rebuke comes in response to Singh's recent remarks, which the Congress has labeled as "a complete lie" and a politically motivated attempt to distort history.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has taken the lead in countering Singh's assertions, dismissing them as baseless and lacking any credible evidence. Tagore argues that there is no archival or documentary support for the claim that Nehru ever proposed using government money for the reconstruction of the Babri Masjid. He emphasized Nehru's consistent opposition to using public funds for religious purposes, including the construction or renovation of temples, mosques, churches, or gurudwaras.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Tagore challenged Singh to provide proof to back his claims. He pointed to the historical precedent of the Somnath Temple, arguing that Nehru's refusal to use state funds for its reconstruction demonstrated his principled stance against mixing government finances with religious affairs. Tagore questioned the logic of Singh's claim, stating that if Nehru opposed using public money for the Somnath Temple, a site revered by millions, it is illogical to suggest he would propose state funding for the Babri Masjid.
"Rajnath ji's statements aren't about history. They're about politics—rewriting the past to divide the present," Tagore asserted. He accused the BJP of employing a strategy of "insulting our founders, inventing stories, [and] fueling polarization" to achieve its political objectives.
The Congress's strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives and the legacy of India's founding leaders. The Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque demolished in 1992, remains a contentious issue in Indian politics, and any claims related to its history are likely to draw strong responses from various political factions.
This is not the first time that the relationship between Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has come under scrutiny. Political rivals have often attempted to portray a rift between the two leaders, but Tagore clarified that Nehru and Patel shared a relationship of mutual respect. He reiterated that Nehru was against utilizing taxpayer money for the construction or renovation of any religious structure.
The Congress party has vowed to defend the legacy of Nehru and Patel against what it sees as attempts to distort their contributions to India's history. Tagore stated, "We will not allow the legacy of Nehru or Patel to be distorted...Truth matters. History matters. Rajnath ji's lies must be exposed".
The exchange highlights the ongoing battle over historical interpretation in India, with political parties vying to shape the narrative to suit their own agendas. As the debate continues, it is clear that the legacy of India's past remains a potent force in the country's present.
