The renaming of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society in Delhi as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society has opened a new battleground between BJP and Congress leaders.

Located at Teen Murti Bhavan, the museum’s name change comes nearly a year after the inauguration of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on the same premises. Teen Murti Bhavan was the official residence of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of attempting to diminish the contributions of the country’s first Prime Minister.

“Those who do not have any history are trying to erase the history of others. The ill-fated attempt to change the name of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library cannot undermine the legacy of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary architect of modern India and a fearless guardian of democracy,” tweeted Kharge.

He further criticised the BJP-RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), referring to the BJP’s ideological mentor.

Mr. Ramesh took a dig at PM Modi’s self-proclaimed title of “Vishwaguru” (world teacher). He tweeted, “What won’t Mr. Modi do to distort, disparage, and destroy the name and legacy of the architect of the Indian nation-state? A small, small man burdened by his insecurities is the self-styled Vishwaguru.”

The BJP defended the renaming of the museum and urged the Congress to refrain from politicising the matter. BJP chief JP Nadda dismissed the Congress’s criticism as “a classic example of political indigestion” and emphasised the importance of recognising leaders beyond a single dynasty. He tweeted, “PM Sangrahalaya is an effort beyond politics, and Congress lacks the vision to realise this.”

BJP MP Neeraj Shekhar pointed out the Congress’s fixation on one dynasty and highlighted the inclusivity of PM Modi in honouring Prime Ministers from all political parties. He tweeted, “My father, former PM Chandra Shekhar ji, always worked for national interest. He even worked with Congress, but they never looked beyond one dynasty. Now, when PM Narendra Modi honoured Prime Ministers across party lines, Congress is getting agitated. Horrible attitude.”

The BJP accused the Congress of disrespecting its own leaders who served as Prime Ministers. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that despite not visiting the museum, Congress leaders were making baseless allegations. He highlighted the improved showcasing of Jawaharlal Nehru’s contributions and achievements, as well as those of his successors, using advanced technology.

The decision to change the name was made during a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who serves as the vice president of the society, according to the Culture Ministry. Mr. Singh welcomed the name change proposal, stating that the institution now highlights the contributions of all Prime Ministers, from Nehru to PM Modi, and how they responded to the challenges of their time.