BJP accuses Nehru of appeasement politics over Somnath temple reconstruction

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing him of pursuing “blind appeasement politics” and showing reluctance towards the reconstruction of the historic Somnath temple in Gujarat after Independence.

BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that while medieval invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Alauddin Khilji had plundered the Somnath temple, Nehru “harboured more resentment towards Lord Somnath than towards the attackers themselves.” He claimed that Nehru opposed the reconstruction of the temple not for constitutional reasons but due to what the BJP describes as an ideological bias rooted in appeasement politics.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Trivedi said Nehru prioritised external appeasement over India’s civilisational self-respect. “Instead of protecting India’s cultural heritage, Nehru weakened the historical confidence of Hindus and chose to glorify Mughal invaders. His policies reflected a preference for appeasing Pakistan rather than strengthening India’s cultural identity,” he alleged.

Citing what he called a “most glaring example,” Trivedi referred to a letter dated April 21, 1951, written by Nehru to Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. According to the BJP leader, Nehru addressed Khan as ‘Nawabzada’ and described the narrative around the Somnath temple gates as completely false. “What was the need for Nehru to write to the Pakistani Prime Minister about Somnath? Was he afraid of Liaquat Ali Khan?” Trivedi questioned.

He further alleged that Nehru believed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple would damage India’s image internationally and therefore refrained from supporting it. In contrast, Trivedi credited then President Dr Rajendra Prasad for standing firm and ensuring the successful completion of the historic reconstruction despite opposition.

The BJP’s remarks come ahead of special events scheduled at the Somnath temple from January 8 to January 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit the temple on January 11, a visit the party says underscores the current government’s commitment to India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.

The Congress party has not yet responded to the BJP’s latest allegations.