While the country's political class continues to fight over the historic importance of the Taj Mahal, Prasar Bharti chief and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue A Surya Prakash has waded into another controversy, directing the nation's attention towards the Nehru Memorial in New Delhi, and insisting that it be turned into a memorial for all prime ministers, not just Jawaharlal Nehru.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Surya Prakash said the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library isn't a private property, and that a part of it must be turned into a museum for all prime ministers of India, not just the first.
#EXCLUSIVE -- After controversy over Taj, Prasar Bharti chief Surya Prakash targets Nehru Memorial | @bhupendrachaube with more details pic.twitter.com/bbzOqppmrQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 26, 2017
File image of the Nehru Memorial Library and Museum, New Delhi. Getty Images
Prakash said things regarding the country's academic prowess and intellectual abilities shouldn't be associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family alone. The channel also quoted him as saying far too much prominence has been given to the Nehru-Gandhi family in independent India.
The Prasar Bharti chief also spoke about the "injustice" meted out to Deendayal Upadhyay, calling him an icon who the BJP and RSS look up to. Prakash said Upadhyay's legacy meant he deserves his place in history next to Nehru.
Saying that Indian history was being "misread and misrepresented", Prakash added, "The Gandhi family is the biggest disservice to secularism."
Prakash's tenure as Prasar Bharti chief comes to an end in October.
With inputs from agencies
Published Date: Oct 26, 2017 11:00 am | Updated Date: Oct 26, 2017 11:00 am
