Rahul Gandhi Faces New Challenge Over Nehru’s Papers Allegedly Removed in 2008
The issue of missing archives from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has taken center stage again with historian Rizwan Kadri’s recent appeal to Rahul Gandhi. Kadri, a member of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML), has urged Gandhi to facilitate the return of Jawaharlal Nehru’s private papers that were allegedly removed in 2008 at the behest of Sonia Gandhi.
These papers, critical to understanding Nehru’s relationships and ideologies, include his correspondence with Edwina Mountbatten, Albert Einstein, and prominent Indian leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali. Their absence from the PMML archives has sparked a wider discussion about safeguarding India’s historical legacy.
Nehru’s Correspondence: What’s at Stake?
Kadri revealed that these papers were initially donated to NMML to serve as research resources. Among the missing documents are:
Letters between Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten, providing personal and political context.
Exchanges with Einstein, reflecting global scientific and political thought.
Notes from Indian leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, which are crucial to understanding post-Independence India.
Kadri emphasized that their absence significantly undermines PMML’s archival integrity.
Sonia Gandhi’s Alleged Involvement
According to Kadri, Sonia Gandhi, as UPA chairperson in 2008, had a representative retrieve these documents. The Congress party has yet to respond to these allegations, but the claims have reignited concerns about the management of India’s historical records.
This issue was reportedly discussed during PMML’s AGM in February 2024, with members stressing the importance of restoring these archives.
The Changing Role of PMML
Since its renaming in 2023, PMML has expanded its focus to include all Indian Prime Ministers. However, critics argue that this shift has diluted its commitment to preserving Nehru’s legacy.
Kadri’s letter highlights the urgency of addressing this issue to maintain PMML’s credibility as a center for historical research and documentation.
The Way Forward: Transparency and Accountability
Kadri concluded his letter with a call for action, urging Rahul Gandhi to ensure the papers’ return. Restoring these archives, according to Kadri, would reaffirm Nehru’s place in India’s history and restore public trust in institutional transparency.
The resolution of this issue could set a benchmark for how India manages its archival resources in the future. As public interest in this controversy grows, all eyes are on Rahul Gandhi and his next move in addressing the historian’s appeal.