Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday launched a sharp counterattack on Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi after she alleged that the BJP was attempting to erase the legacy of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Addressing reporters at the party headquarters, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress of selectively preserving what he called the “so-called legacy” of Nehru while sidelining the contributions of other towering national leaders. He said icons like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Dr B.R. Ambedkar had been historically downplayed by the Congress.

Patra claimed that “the biggest damage to Nehru’s legacy” was being done by members of the Gandhi family themselves, pointing to their involvement in the ongoing National Herald case. His remarks come on the eve of the Lok Sabha’s special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, to be initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will open the debate in the Rajya Sabha on December 9.

Reacting to Sonia Gandhi’s charge that a systematic attempt was underway to demolish Nehru’s contributions and rewrite history, Patra said the BJP was only correcting historical distortions and ensuring due recognition for leaders who significantly shaped India’s freedom movement and nation-building.

“The BJP is not rewriting history. The BJP is rectifying history and giving rightful credit to those who truly contributed to this country,” he said.

Reiterating his criticism of the Gandhi family, Patra again referred to the National Herald case, claiming it had caused more damage to Nehru’s legacy than anything the BJP had ever done. The Lok Sabha has allotted 10 hours for the Vande Mataram debate, which is expected to see intense exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches.