New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Opposition figures have voiced their disapproval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for asserting that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sought public financing to construct the Babri Masjid, while Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reportedly thwarted the initiative.

The debate ignited after the Union Minister made these comments during a 'Unity March' in Gujarat commemorating Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary.

“Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wished to erect the Babri Masjid with public funds. The only one who opposed this was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was born to a Gujarati mother. He played a crucial role in stopping the Babri Masjid's construction using public finances,” stated Rajnath Singh.

In response, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked to IANS: "I’m unsure of the history books that Rajnath Singh refers to, but we are in 2025. Jawaharlal Nehru was instrumental in guiding India during a tumultuous period post-British rule, when poverty was rampant and the nation was struggling to establish itself."

"Bringing up such matters repeatedly is unbecoming of a Defence Minister or the ruling party. A Ram Mandir now exists there following the Supreme Court verdict. It's regrettable to see continued polarization for electoral gain, especially with the Uttar Pradesh elections approaching. It’s time to cease the distortion of history," she added.

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha expressed his disappointment, saying: "If Amit Shah had made this claim, I wouldn’t have been surprised. But to hear it from Rajnath Singh is disheartening. You cannot rewrite history. Rajnath Singh, you don’t need coaching—read authentic history. Don’t be like those who learn from WhatsApp forwards."

Congress MLA Amin Patel stated: "We have thoroughly studied history. Nehru and Patel collaborated in unity. These events unfolded 65–70 years ago, and there is no supporting evidence for such claims. Statements like these mislead the populace."

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad commented: "The Hindu–Muslim issue has been settled. The BJP now seeks to reignite it for political gain. Real issues exist—farmers are struggling, inflation is climbing, yet there is no discourse on SIR. To evade accountability, they incite such controversies."

Congress MP Imran Masood also dismissed the Defence Minister’s assertion, saying: "The only historical document we acknowledge does not mention Nehru but instead highlights Sardar Patel, who had issued a letter banning the RSS for inciting hatred. Had Patel lived longer, such circumstances would not have arisen. Nehru lifted the ban due to his commitment to democratic inclusion of both ruling and opposition voices."

"You cannot equate yourself with Nehru. He established IITs, IIMs, and developed institutions that shaped modern India. I fail to comprehend why a Union Minister is distorting history,” he added.

Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh stated, "The Bharatiya Janata Party has demonstrated that it consistently spreads falsehoods. They have no agenda beyond deceit."

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad remarked: "As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh carries a significant responsibility, and when someone in his position makes unfounded statements, it reflects poorly. I urge him to either provide evidence, apologize, or resign."