Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday used the occasion of the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav celebrations to attack the Opposition over what he called “appeasement” politics.
The Prime Minister invoked the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, referring to the alleged resistance faced during the tenure of Congress leader and then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi said the issue of national self-respect had often become a subject of political contestation in the country.
“In our country, politics continues to be played even over matters concerning national self-respect. Somnath itself stands as the prime example of this,” Modi said while addressing a gathering in Gujarat’s Gir.
Modi drew a parallel with the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying, “We have witnessed this even during occasions such as the construction of the Ram Temple. We have seen how even the construction of the Ram Temple faced opposition.”
“We must remain vigilant against such a mindset. We must move forward by taking development and heritage together,” he added.
As part of the celebrations, Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin marking the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and highlighted the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
