New Delhi, Dec 02: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had once proposed using public funds to rebuild the Babri mosque, but the idea was opposed by then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He made the remark while speaking at an event where he highlighted differences in approach between the two leaders.
Rajnath Singh noted that, according to historical accounts he cited, Nehru believed that restoring the mosque using government resources would help ease communal tensions of the time. However, he said Patel did not agree with the proposal, arguing that public money should not be used for such purposes.
The Defence Minister added that Sardar Patel’s stand reflected his commitment to maintaining balance and fairness in sensitive matters. He said Patel’s approach continues to influence governance even today, especially in issues involving public trust and communal harmony.
Rajnath Singh also stressed that debates between Nehru and Patel were part of a larger democratic culture in early independent India, where leaders freely expressed differing viewpoints while remaining committed to nation-building.
Historians and political observers have often offered varied interpretations of this period, and Rajnath Singh’s remarks are expected to spark fresh discussion on the contrasting administrative philosophies of the two national leaders.
