Centre trying to subvert spirit of Nehru memorial library: Congress

The Congress on Wednesday condemned what it said were efforts by the BJP government to "subvert and dilute" the essential spirit and character of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML).

"Devoid of any legacy that comprises of the building of our nation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP are playing a diabolical game of rewriting and misappropriating our rich and proud heritage of struggle for independence," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a statement.

"The NMML stands testimony to and symbolizes our national struggle against colonial rule as also our evolution as a sovereign, democratic and secular nation in the years following Independence," he said.

Surjewala said: "Any attempts by the BJP, the RSS and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to diminish and downplay the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India and one of the greatest sons of the country is not going to hold water with the people of our country."

The lame alibi of making the museum "contemporary and relevant to governance in present times", being put forth by the government are self-contradictory in themselves.

Museums are supposed to be about the past and history and not showcases for publicizing the ruling dispensation, he said.

The Congress leader said the Congress as indeed the people of this country will oppose such moves tooth and nail.