Accusing the government of engaging in a "petty act," Congress leaders assert that renaming buildings cannot erase the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
In a controversial move, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society has been renamed as the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library Society, drawing criticism from the Congress party. The Culture Ministry announced the name change after a special meeting of the NMML, which was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to PTI reports.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the decision, calling it a "petty act" driven by "pettiness and vengeance." He emphasized that the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, cannot be erased by renaming buildings. Ramesh expressed his dismay, stating, "What won't Mr. Modi do to distort, disparage, and destroy the name and legacy of the architect of the Indian nation-state."
K.C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary (Organization), also criticized the move, asserting that the Teen Murti Bhavan, where the NMML is located, holds historical significance as the place where India's destiny was shaped. He emphasized Nehru's role as the architect of India's post-independence glory and condemned the renaming as a petty act that diminishes the stature of the current regime.
Manish Tewari, a Congress MP, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that legacies cannot be erased by renaming buildings. He urged those who question Nehru's contributions to familiarize themselves with his works, such as "Discovery of India" and "Glimpses of World History," to truly understand the depth of Nehru's impact.
Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh highlighted that while Nehru's name may be removed from the museum's boards, the respect and reverence that the people of India hold for him cannot be eradicated.