16-06-2023 : The renaming of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society in New Delhi as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society has sparked criticism from the Congress party. The move has been described as a “petty act” and an attempt to erase legacies by renaming buildings. The decision to change the name was taken in a special meeting of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society, which was presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who serves as the vice president of the Society.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, expressed his disapproval, accusing the government of pettiness and vengeance. He emphasized the global significance of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, which has served as an intellectual landmark and a repository of books and archives for over 59 years. Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for distorting and disparaging the name and legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of the Indian nation-state, whom he referred to as the “self-styled Vishwaguru” burdened by insecurities.
K.C. Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organization), highlighted the historical importance of Teen Murti Bhavan, where the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library is located. He emphasized Nehru’s role as the architect of India’s post-independence glory and criticized the government’s decision to change the name, stating that it diminishes the stature of the current regime. Venugopal stated that Nehru’s vision laid the foundation for India’s success, and his revered stature in the hearts of Indians cannot be altered by removing his name from a museum.
Congress MP Manish Tewari also criticized the government, asserting that legacies cannot be erased by renaming buildings. He urged those who seek to diminish Nehru’s contributions to read his works, such as “Discovery of India” and “Glimpses of World History,” to understand the depth of his impact on the freedom struggle and the building of modern India.
Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh emphasized that while Nehru’s name may be removed from the museum’s boards, the respect that the people of India hold for him cannot be eradicated. This criticism from the Congress party reflects their disagreement with the decision to rename the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society and their defense of Nehru’s legacy and contributions to the nation.