PM unveils Rashtra Prerna Sthal

During the inauguration of the complex, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition Congress and the Samajwadi Party for trying to “demolish” Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy, even as he said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took pride in having the opportunity to “tear down the wall of Article 370”.

- Pawan Dixit and Animesh Mishra

Constructed at a cost of ₹230 crore and spread across an area of 65 acres, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal features 65-foot-high bronze statues of Vajpayee and BJP ideologues Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

‘Addressing a gathering during the inauguration, the PM said, “This centre of national inspiration represents the vision that has guided India on the path of self-respect, unity and service. Rashtra Prerna Sthal gives us the message that every step, every stride, every effort of ours should be dedicated to nation building.”

Speaking about the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, Modi said, “The BJP is proud that our government got the opportunity to demolish the wall of Article 370. Today, the Constitution of India is fully applicable in Jammu and Kashmir as well.”