National

Amit Shah slams Congress for disrespecting Indian culture and sacred 'Sengol'

• By IANS , New Delhi
• May 26, 2023
• 53

Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to allegations made by the Congress party, questioning why they appear to despise Indian traditions and culture. Shah's remarks came after the Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of propagating a false narrative regarding the sacred 'Sengol,' which had been housed at the Allahabad Museum and referred to by the Congress as a mere walking stick.

Taking to Twitter, Shah expressed his perplexity at the Congress party's apparent disdain for Indian traditions, stating, "Why does the Congress party hate Indian traditions and culture so much? A sacred Sengol was gifted to Pandit Nehru by a revered Saivite Mutt from Tamil Nadu, symbolizing India's freedom. However, it was banished to a museum and reduced to the status of a 'walking stick.'"

The Home Minister's response was prompted by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh's allegations that the BJP was spreading a "false narrative" surrounding the 'Sengol.'

Ramesh, who serves as the communication in-charge of the Congress, took to Twitter to criticize the alleged dissemination of misinformation, stating, "Is it surprising that the new Parliament is being inaugurated with false narratives from the WhatsApp University? The BJP/RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) historians have once again been exposed, making grand claims with minimal evidence."

Ramesh highlighted that the 'Sengol' was an exquisite creation conceived by a religious establishment in the former Madras province and skillfully crafted in Madras city. He acknowledged that it was indeed presented to Nehru in August 1947.

He further emphasized that there was no documented evidence to support claims made by certain individuals regarding Mountbatten, Rajaji, and Nehru describing the 'Sengol' as a symbol of the transfer of British power to India. Ramesh denounced these assertions as baseless and manufactured, perpetuated through WhatsApp and amplified by certain sections of the media. He cited reputable Rajaji scholars who expressed their surprise at these claims.

Ramesh revealed that the 'Sengol' had later been exhibited at the Allahabad Museum, and he pointed out that Nehru's remarks on December 14, 1947, were a matter of public record, regardless of the labels attached to it.

He also raised the issue of President Droupadi Murmu not being allowed to inaugurate the new Parliament, questioning the motives behind the decision. Ramesh insinuated that the 'Sengol' was now being utilized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his supporters for political gain in Tamil Nadu.

The controversy surrounding the new four-story Parliament building, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on May 28, has intensified, with opposition parties advocating for President Murmu, rather than the Prime Minister, to perform the inauguration.

Responding to the opposition's boycott, BJP National President J.P. Nadda criticized the government and accused the boycotting parties, particularly those led by dynastic leaders, of disregarding democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. Nadda asserted that the Indian people had placed their trust in a leader from humble beginnings and condemned the elitist mindset exhibited by dynastic parties.

Nadda emphasized that these parties prioritized their own political interests over the nation, warning that they would face repercussions from the people for their partisan politics.

JP Nadda said, "These dynastic parties, particularly the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, are unable to digest a simple fact that the people of India have placed their faith in a man hailing from a humble background. Elitist mindsets of dynasts are preventing them from logical thinking".

He added, "The people of India are seeing how these parties are putting politics above the nation. These parties will be punished yet again by the people for their partisan politics". (Edited)