Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a systematic campaign to malign the legacy of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Speaking at the inaugural event of the Nehru Centre India held at Jawahar Bhawan, Gandhi described the BJP's criticism of Nehru as a "project to vilify" him and erase his role in shaping modern India.

Gandhi stressed that Nehru’s contributions to India's independence, constitution, and nation-building are widely respected both within the country and internationally. She condemned attempts that, in her view, seek to distort history by ignoring the complex challenges Nehru faced post-independence, such as partition and economic development. According to Gandhi, these efforts are not just critiques but part of a broader political agenda from those with no stake in India’s freedom struggle.

The BJP countered sharply. Party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan questioned the Gandhi family's sincerity in venerating Nehru, pointing out that if the respect were genuine, they would have adopted “Nehru” as their family surname instead of “Gandhi.” The BJP accused the Congress leadership of minimizing Nehru’s achievements over time, framing their criticisms as exposing historical truths rather than defamation.

This exchange underscores ongoing political tensions around historical narratives, with both parties contesting the legacy of Nehru and the foundational years of India. The debate reflects larger issues about how history is interpreted and used in contemporary politics to influence public opinion. The controversy once again brings to the forefront the enduring significance of Nehru’s vision and the polarized views on his legacy in Indian politics today. This report is based on recent developments reported on December 5, 2025.