It was to appease the minorities that the Congress Party gave up nationalism. But nothing could appease the Muslims. They had their pound of flesh—the Partition of the country. But Partition did not solve the Hindu-Muslim problem. For which we have to thank Gandhi and Nehru in particular. By introducing Secularism (Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava), Nehru assuaged the Muslims of their fears and promised equal respect for all religions. But Nehru was the first to violate his own promises. How? I have two stories to show the kind of man he was.
In his book “Pilgrimage to Freedom”, K.M.Munshi writes: “When Junagad fell, Sardar Patel pledged the Government of India to the reconstruction of the historic Somnath temple.” The Central Government agreed. But Gandhi advised the Sardar to use private funds. This was accepted. But, says, Munshi, “Jawaharlal more than once criticised me for working for the restoration of the temple.” Why? Because restoration of Somnath would cause anxiety among Muslims. As Sardar was dead by the time the temple was complete, Munshi invited Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India, to inaugurate the temple. He agreed. But Nehru made violent protest against it. His objection was to the involvement of a secular state in matters religious . The real reason was that he did not want to offered the Muslims. But what about the sentiments of the Hindus? Did they not want the restoration of the temple? Did they not want to worship the deity of Somnath? Nehru was indiffe
