Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Nehru-Babri Masjid remark a ‘distraction’ from pressing public issues. Singh alleged Nehru wanted government funds for the mosque, contrasting it with Sardar Patel’s opposition and secularism. Rahul Gandhi declined comment. Singh’s statement precedes the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra; Rajnath Singh NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday dismissed defence minister Rajnath Singh’s “Nehru–Babri Masjid” remark as a “distraction” from the issues that matter.“These are all distractions. There are many real issues that need discussion. They create a new distraction every day so that we are unable to talk about the people’s concerns,” she told reporters outside Parliament.Her brother, and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, declined to comment, saying reporters were “wasting their time” by asking him for a reaction.The siblings are great-grandchildren of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.Addressing the ‘Sardar Sabha’ in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to use government funds to build the Babri Masjid. He added that it was then-home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who opposed the plan, and described Patel as “truly secular.”“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was truly secular. He never believed in appeasement. When Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about spending government funds on the Babri Masjid issue, it was Patel, a son of Gujarat, who opposed it. He did not allow the Babri Masjid to be built with government money,” the senior BJP leader remarked.He added, “Nehru raised the question of reconstructing the Somnath Temple. Patel clarified that the Somnath case was different: the public had donated Rs 30 lakh, a trust had been formed, and not a single rupee of government money was used,” referring to the temple’s reconstruction in Veraval, Gujarat.Singh’s remarks came ahead of December 6, marking the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.In November 2019, a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict paving the way for the construction of Lord’s Ram temple in the city.The temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024.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. 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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 MediaVideos’Leader Is Bulldozing’: Kharge, Nadda Lock Horns Over TMC MP’s Speech In Rajya SabhaIndia’s Workforce Power Will Keep Growing Jaishankar Says As He Takes Down Anti H-1B NarrativesKTR Slams Congress, Says Rahul Gandhi Has No Vision And Is An Albatross Around Opposition’s NeckRussian Pop Star Backs Bharat Name Change And Reveals PM Modi Promised To Build A Temple In RussiaRELOS Gives India Seamless Access To Russian Bases As Moscow Boosts Military Ties Before Putin VisitPutin Plans Big India Reset With More Indian Goods, Deep Strategic Defence Ties In Talks With ModiRajnath Singh Claims Nehru Wanted Babri Built With Public Funds But Sardar Patel Blocked His Plan’Terrorists Are Fasaadi, We Are Jihadi’: Maulana Madani Stands Firm On ‘Jihad’ RemarksIsraeli Firm IWI Backs ‘Make-In-India’, In Talks To Bring ARBEL Rifle System To IndiaNavy Chief Confirms India’S Third Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Soon123PhotostoriesSaif Ali Khan to Hrithik Roshan: Bollywood families invested over Rs 100 crore in Mumbai’s real estate in NovemberKidney damage: Why most people don’t realize their kidneys are failing until it’s too late6 hidden signs of vitamin D deficiency you can see in the mirror5 powerful Jyotirlinga temples in Maharashtra that can change your life’s energy7 timeless Chanakya Mantras to boost your child’s successTeaching kids better ways to ask “How Are You?”Korean baby names that can fit right into Indian familiesFrom world’s largest seed to hidden pirate treasure, 8 facts that make this island nation in Indian Ocean truly uniqueRunways, terminals, and dreams: Stunning photos of Noida’s nearly-ready Jewar AirportLord Ganesha Avatars According To Your Date of Birth123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingNBA Trade RumorsAPTET Admit CardShedeur SandersRGPV Diploma Result 2025KTET May and June ResultsStephen CurryAmar SubramanyaGiannis AntetokounmpoCharlie Kirk ControversyYordan Alvarez Wife
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday dismissed defence minister Rajnath Singh’s “Nehru–Babri Masjid” remark as a “distraction” from the issues that matter.“These are all distractions. There are many real issues that need discussion. They create a new distraction every day so that we are unable to talk about the people’s concerns,” she told reporters outside Parliament.Her brother, and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, declined to comment, saying reporters were “wasting their time” by asking him for a reaction.The siblings are great-grandchildren of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.Addressing the ‘Sardar Sabha’ in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh alleged that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to use government funds to build the Babri Masjid. He added that it was then-home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who opposed the plan, and described Patel as “truly secular.”“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was truly secular. He never believed in appeasement. When Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about spending government funds on the Babri Masjid issue, it was Patel, a son of Gujarat, who opposed it. He did not allow the Babri Masjid to be built with government money,” the senior BJP leader remarked.He added, “Nehru raised the question of reconstructing the Somnath Temple. Patel clarified that the Somnath case was different: the public had donated Rs 30 lakh, a trust had been formed, and not a single rupee of government money was used,” referring to the temple’s reconstruction in Veraval, Gujarat.Singh’s remarks came ahead of December 6, marking the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.In November 2019, a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict paving the way for the construction of Lord’s Ram temple in the city.The temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024.
