Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, has emphasized that Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy is rooted in his significant accomplishments and not merely his name, amid a contentious debate over renaming the Nehru Museum.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent member of the Congress party, emphasized that Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy is rooted in his substantial accomplishments and contributions, transcending mere recognition by name. Gandhi’s assertion emerged amid a heated exchange over the renaming of the Nehru Museum, which ignited a spirited debate between leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.
The decision to alter the name of the Nehru Museum has sparked a robust clash between the BJP and Congress. The Congress criticized this change, contending that substituting the letter ‘P’ for ‘N’ in the museum’s title signifies an attitude of pettiness and reflects a diminished appreciation for Nehru’s enduring legacy.
Gandhi’s remarks on the renaming row came shortly after a contentious verbal confrontation between the BJP and Congress, wherein the Congress alleged that the BJP’s substitution of ‘N’ with ‘P’ represented the party’s pettiness and negative sentiment. In response, the BJP dismissed the criticism, suggesting that critics were merely expressing regret.
Addressing the matter, Rahul Gandhi stated “Nehru Ji ki pehchaan unke karam hai, unka naam nahi,” which translates to “Nehru Ji is known for his deeds, not just his name.”
Effective August 14, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library has undergone an official renaming, now designated as the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library Society. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Modi, asserting that the change from ‘N’ to ‘P’ represented pettiness and a desire to undermine Nehru’s legacy.
The BJP contended that the new museum’s focus extends to all prime ministers, moving beyond Nehru’s exclusive prominence. Conversely, in the Nehru Museum, no space was allocated to any other prime ministers.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the decision to remove the name of the first prime minister in order to accommodate subsequent prime ministers. He suggested retaining the name “Nehru Memorial Prime Ministers Museum and Library.”
A Surya Prakash, the vice chairman of the museum, reassured that Nehru’s contributions remain prominently showcased in the new museum presentation. He highlighted that visitors to the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library can observe exhibitions reflecting Nehru’s pivotal role in modern India, including his initiatives such as the Hirakud Dam, Nagarajuna Sagar Dam, establishment of technology institutes, and Planning Commission during his 17-year tenure as Prime Minister at the Teen Murti Bhavan.
