New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday stated there is no documented evidence of Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari, and Jawaharlal Nehru describing the 'Sengol' as a symbol of the transfer of power by the British to India. He shared a descriptive Twitter message to note that the claims circulating about 'Sengol' are "typically false narratives."
Read tweet below
All claims about Sengol are BOGUS & manufactured, says Jairam Ramesh
Taking to the microblogging site, the Congress leader wrote, "Is it any surprise that the new Parliament is being consecrated with typically false narratives from WhatsApp University? The BJP-RSS Distorians stand exposed yet again with maximum claims, minimum evidence."
"There is no documented evidence whatsoever of Mountbatten, Rajaji and Nehru describing this sceptre as a symbol of transfer of British power to India. All claims to this effect are plain and simple -- BOGUS," he added.
"Wholly and completely manufactured in the minds of a few and dispersed into WhatsApp, and now to the drum-beaters in the media. Two of the finest Rajaji scholars with impeccable credentials have expressed surprise," the Congress general secretary communications said.
Cong leader also questioned "why Pres Murmu isn't inaugurating the new Parl building"
On Twitter, Ramesh said, "The sceptre is now being used by the PM (prime minister) and his drum-beaters for their political ends in Tamil Nadu. This is typical of this brigade that embroiders facts to suit its twisted objectives. The real question is why is President Droupadi Murmu not being allowed to inaugurate the new Parliament."
He claimed that a majestic sceptre conceived of by a religious establishment in the Madras province and crafted in Madras city (now Chennai) was indeed presented to Nehru in August 1947. He said the sceptre presented to Nehru was later kept for display at the Allahabad Museum. What Nehru said there on December 14, 1947 is a matter of public record despite whatever labels may say, Ramesh said.
BJP's take on Sengol
On Thursday, the BJP had alleged that the Congress displayed disregard for Hindu traditions by calling the sacred 'Sengol' a "golden stick gifted" to India's first prime minister Nehru and tucking it away in a museum.
The vesting of the "sacred 'Sengol'" with Nehru, on the eve of India's Independence, was the exact moment of transfer of power from the British to India, BJP leader Amit Malviya had said.
Sengol installation to take place on May 28
The 'Sengol' will be installed close to the Chair of the Lok Sabha speaker after the new Parliament building is inaugurated by Modi on May 28, an event 20 Opposition parties, including the Congress, are boycotting.
(With agency inputs)
