Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday made a significant political statement, alleging that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted the Babri Masjid to be rebuilt using government funds. He claimed that then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel strongly opposed the proposal, as Patel believed in true secular values and did not support appeasement politics of any kind.

Singh made these remarks while addressing the ‘Sardar Sabha’ event, organised after the ‘Ekta March,’ held under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and MY Bharat, on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

While speaking at the event, Singh further claimed that Nehru had earlier questioned the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. In response, Patel had clarified that the Somnath Temple was being rebuilt with public donations, not with government funds.

He said “The reconstruction of the Somnath Temple took place entirely through public donations. At that time, people contributed ₹30 lakh, a trust was established, and not a single rupee from the government treasury was spent.”

Singh added that the Ram Temple being built in Ayodhya is also being funded entirely through public contributions, without the use of government resources.

During his address, Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ceremonial hoisting of a 22-foot religious flag in Ayodhya on November 25, as part of the traditional ritual known as Dhvaj Aarohan. He said the ritual represents the triumph of righteousness over injustice and holds deep religious significance for Hindus across the world.

The event was attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and several other prominent leaders.

Speaking at the event, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to Patel and said “Sardar Patel turned the dream of a united India into reality with his foresight, strong willpower, and unwavering determination.”