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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEye On 2027 UP Polls, BJP Expands Yogi Cabinet With Strong OBC-Dalit OutreachChandranath Rath Murder: 3 Arrested As SIT Probes Interstate Network | Suvendu Adhikari’s AideRahul Gandhi Calls PM Modi’s Austerity Appeal “Proof Of Failure”, Congress Seeks AnswersWhy Congress Still Hasn’t Named Kerala’s Chief Minister Despite Massive VictorySanjeev Arora Sent To ED Custody In ₹157 Crore Money Laundering Case, AAP Alleges Political VendettaShashi Tharoor Raises Questions Over SIR, Claims “91 Lakh Names Were Deleted” In BengalCongress Alleges Rahul Gandhi’s Viral Reel With Vijay Was Blocked, Centre Denies Any Role‘Use Petrol Sparingly’: PM Modi Calls For WFH, Carpooling Amid West Asia WarFormer Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s Anti-BJP Unity Call Rejected By Left, Congress In Bengal TwistWill Vijay Join INDIA Bloc? ‘Secular’ Speech Sparks Fresh Political Speculation | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Bollywood-inspired bedroom to luxe living room and 3 balconies with stunning views: Inside Samarth Jurel’s lavish houseConstipated? 5 gastroenterologist-approved drinks that will help you poop daily5 everyday simple beauty habits that can actually improve your skinMove over royal portraits, as Sonam Kapoor Ahuja just introduced baby Rudralokh in a head-to-toe Anamika Khanna drama7 plants that will survive in your garden, even if you forget giving them waterDrinking beer helps remove kidney stones? What doctors say about this viral trendA bowl of pomegranate for breakfast: Why it should be a lifelong habit5 effective ways to help remove termites and save your wooden interiors just in time10 common phrases fathers often use without realising how deeply they affect childrenPersonality test: The lamp you choose reveals the kind of coworker you are123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingRCBYesterday Match ResultIPL Points TableUS Iran warTilak VarmaWho is Urvil Patel FatherIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitPM Modi WFHPBKS vs DC Match Preview
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.
