PM Modi Statement: Religious Attacks Were Whitewashed for Political Interests

Somnath: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on those with what he described as a “colonial mindset” who opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1951. He said such forces have continued to use “devious methods” against India.

The Prime Minister said that religiously motivated attacks were deliberately “whitewashed” in the name of appeasement politics, and that the history of hatred and brutality was concealed from the public.

Addressing a massive gathering at Sadbhavana Ground in Somnath, PM Modi said, “India has thousands of ancient places like Somnath that reflect the nation’s strength, resilience, and traditions. Unfortunately, after Independence, people with a colonial mindset tried to distance themselves from these symbols. They made every effort to erase the history of this place.”

Remembering those who sacrificed their lives to protect the Somnath Temple, PM Modi said with emotion that such sacrifices were never given due recognition. “Some leaders attempted to downplay religious attacks by portraying them merely as acts of loot, all for the sake of appeasement politics. But Somnath was not attacked just once—it was attacked repeatedly,” he said.

He further added, “If the attack on Somnath had been purely economic, it would have stopped after the first major plunder a thousand years ago. But it didn’t. We were taught that Somnath was looted only for wealth. The truth of hatred and cruelty was hidden from us.”

The Prime Minister said that people who are truly devoted to their faith would never support such extremism. Yet, he noted, some forces opposed the very idea of rebuilding the temple due to appeasement-driven politics.

“Those indulging in appeasement politics bowed before extremist forces,” PM Modi said. “When India gained Independence and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel resolved to rebuild the Somnath Temple, he too faced opposition. Even when then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad came here in 1951, objections were raised. At that time, Jam Sahib Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar stepped forward and donated one lakh rupees for the reconstruction.”

PM Modi recalled that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was not supportive of rebuilding the Somnath Temple and did not want top constitutional authorities to be associated with it. Despite Nehru’s objections, Sardar Patel, K.M. Munshi—who led the reconstruction effort—and President Rajendra Prasad stood firmly in support of rebuilding the temple. The temple was ultimately reconstructed not with government funds, but through donations collected from the people.

The Prime Minister said that individuals and forces with similar thinking, who opposed the restoration of the Somnath Temple, still exist in India today and continue to work against the nation.

“Unfortunately, even today, forces that oppose the restoration of temples are active in India,” he said. “Earlier, swords were used; today, other harmful methods are being employed against the country. That is why we must remain alert, become stronger, and stay united to defeat every force that seeks to divide us.”

Referring to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple, PM Modi said he had presented a grand vision for India for the next 1,000 years. “I spoke of moving forward with the idea of ‘Dev se Desh’ (from God to Nation). Today, every citizen carries a firm resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India),” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India is moving ahead with pride in its heritage. Speaking in Somnath, he underlined that this sense of pride and respect for heritage is continuously growing. He highlighted initiatives such as the cultural development of the Somnath Temple, the establishment of Somnath Cultural University, and the growing popularity and vibrancy of the Madhavpur Fair, saying, “All these strengthen our heritage.”

Concluding his address, PM Modi said, “We must take our thousand-year-old heritage to every corner of the country and introduce the world to it. We should celebrate this new 75-year festival of independence and continue it till 2027, awakening every citizen—so that an awakened nation can move forward to fulfill its dreams.”