Kadri, who has written extensively on Nehru, has been trying to get the letters for over a decade.

The Quest for Nehru’s Letters

Rizwan Kadri, a renowned historian, has been on a mission to obtain Jawaharlal Nehru’s personal letters for over a decade. His efforts have been met with resistance from the Nehru-Gandhi family, who have refused to hand over the letters. Kadri’s quest is not just about acquiring historical documents but also about understanding the personal side of India’s first Prime Minister.

The Significance of Nehru’s Letters

Nehru’s letters offer a unique glimpse into the life and times of India’s first Prime Minister. They provide insight into his thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which are not available through official records or biographies.

Kadri, calling it “an important aspect of history”, said he wrote a letter to Sonia Gandhi in September seeking the return of the letters. “I have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi and asked her to return the private letters of Nehru that were taken by her office, as she was the family’s representative and donor,” Kadri told ANI. Kadri said he received no response from Sonia, following which he wrote a letter to Rahul. “I have urged him to consider that these documents are part of the nation’s heritage and an important aspect of its history. Until we can view this material, we can’t determine the reason for their withdrawal. There must have been some objectionable content for them to have been removed,” Kadri alleged.

The Controversy Unfolds

The statement made by Kadri, a member of the opposition party, sparked a heated debate in the country. The BJP, a ruling party, seized upon the statement, using it to attack Kadri and her party. The opposition party, on the other hand, defended Kadri, accusing the BJP of misinterpreting her words. Key points of contention:

The BJP’s Response

The BJP responded to Kadri’s statement by launching a scathing attack on her and her party.

He asked if she had any idea what the matter was.