NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused first PM Jawaharlal Nehru of “prioritising appeasement over national self-respect”, claiming that he “opposed” the restoration of the Somnath Temple. Speaking at Somnath Amrit Mahotsav, the prime minister credited Congress stalwarts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr Rajendra Prasad for devoting themselves for restoring the temple in Gujarat.“Following our Independence, one of the very first duties undertaken was the restoration of the Somnath Temple. That is why Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr Rajendra Prasad devoted such immense effort to this cause. Yet, we all know the extent of the opposition he had to face from Nehru ji. It was Sardar Sahab’s willpower that, despite facing such fierce opposition, he remained unwavering in his resolve regarding Somnath,” he said.“Consequently, the temple was rebuilt, and the nation washed away a stigma that had persisted for centuries. Unfortunately, there are still forces active in our country today that prioritise appeasement over national self-respect,” he added.He went on to slam Congress for opposing the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.“We have witnessed this even during occasions such as the construction of the Ram Temple. We have seen how even the construction of the Ram Temple faced opposition. We must remain vigilant against such a mindset. We must move forward by taking development and heritage together,” he said.Somnath Amrit Mahotsav marks 75 years since the restored Somnath Temple was inaugurated by India’s first President Rajendra Prasad. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a roadshow.The event drew large crowds of supporters who lined the route to greet the prime minister, while authorities deployed extensive security arrangements at key points across the city.
