Did Jairam Ramesh Present Maniben Patel's Book to Rajnath Singh Amid Nehru-Babri Controversy?
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Synopsis
In a significant political exchange, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh presented pages from Maniben Patel's diary to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, igniting a debate surrounding historical claims related to Jawaharlal Nehru. This interaction has sparked controversy, leading to calls for an apology from Singh.
Key Takeaways
- Political exchange: Ramesh's act highlights political tensions.
- Historical interpretation: The incident raises questions about how history is portrayed.
- Public response: Calls for accountability in political statements are emphasized.
- Media coverage: The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of historical narratives.
- Political discourse: Such exchanges can significantly impact ongoing debates.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh presented pages from the book 'Inside Story of Sardar Patel: The Diary of Maniben Patel' to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he entered Parliament for the day's session.
Ramesh noted, "Sir, I have brought you a Gujarati translation of Maniben Patel's diary, especially for you. Please do read it."
Singh, with a slight smile, replied, "I don't know Gujarati", while accepting the pages.
This interaction follows the Congress party's release of excerpts from Maniben Patel's book on December 6, aiming to dispute Singh's claim that Jawaharlal Nehru intended to fund the construction of the Babri Masjid using public resources. The party has called for an apology from Singh for what they describe as "falsehoods".
Ramesh took to social media, sharing screenshots of the original Gujarati text, alleging that Singh misrepresented historical details.
He emphasized a "significant difference" between the diary's actual content and the claims made by "fellow distorians".
Singh had recently asserted at an event in Sadhli village, located in Gujarat's Vadodara district, that Nehru aimed to build the Babri Masjid with public funds, but was stopped by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The BJP supported Singh's statements, referencing the same book by Maniben Patel to suggest that Nehru was "repelled" by some temples in South India despite their beauty.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed the media at the party headquarters, confirming that Singh's comments were sourced from 'Inside Story of Sardar Patel: Diary of Maniben Patel'. He stated that Page 24 of the book indicates that Nehru raised the Babri mosque issue, but Patel clarified that the government could not allocate money for constructing a mosque.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions in India. The exchange between Ramesh and Singh reveals how historical interpretations can influence current political discourse. It is crucial to analyze such interactions critically, promoting an informed public dialogue while maintaining respect for diverse perspectives.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Ramesh's gesture?
Ramesh's presentation of Maniben Patel's diary pages to Singh aimed to counter recent claims made regarding Nehru's intentions about the Babri Masjid, highlighting the ongoing political discourse around historical narratives.
What was Rajnath Singh's response?
Singh humorously acknowledged his lack of knowledge in Gujarati when he accepted the pages from Ramesh.
What are the main allegations against Singh?
Singh is accused of misrepresenting historical facts regarding Nehru's intentions towards the Babri Masjid, leading to demands for an apology from the Congress party.
