Gujarat polls: Nehru had opposed Somnath, says PM Modi on Rahul Gandhi's visit

New Delhi: As the battle for Gujarat hots up, a big furore erupted on Wednesday over Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visiting the Somnath Temple after allegedly signing a register meant for non-Hindus.

The doors of Somnath Temple, one of the most famous pilgrim places of Hindus, are not open for non-Hindus, who must obtain permission from the temple authorities to enter the sacred place.

Chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the signature which was being talked of was different. “Neither was it the signature of Rahul Gandhi nor was this register ever given to him,” he said.

Releasing the screen-shots of visitors’ register, Congress leader Deependra Hooda said, “Here is the original signature of Rahul at Somnath Temple. Clearly. The other signature is written as ‘Rahul Gandhi ji’, why would he write ji?”

On Monday, while Mr Gandhi was visiting the Somnath Temple, Mr Modi while campaigning in Prachi, sought to remind him that Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister and his great-grandfather, had opposed the idea of building the Somnath temple.