PM Modi: Forces Opposed to Somnath Still Active

New Delhi, january 12, 2026: In a powerful address from the historic town of Prabhas Patan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the “forces” that once opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after Independence are still active today. Speaking on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the Prime Minister urged the nation to remain vigilant against modern conspiracies aimed at dividing the country.

The event marked a significant milestone—the 1,000th anniversary of the invasion of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.

“Conspiracies Instead of Swords”

The Prime Minister drew a direct line between historical invaders and contemporary political adversaries. He noted that while ancient tyrants used swords to destroy India’s cultural identity, modern-day forces use more subtle, “malicious” methods to weaken the nation.

“Unfortunately, those forces which had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple are still present in our country and are very much active,” PM Modi stated. “Today, instead of swords, conspiracies are being hatched against India through other means.”

He emphasized that India must remain “alert, united, and powerful” to defeat these divisive elements, stressing that the country’s strength lies in its connection to its roots and heritage.

Rewriting the Narrative

A major theme of the Prime Minister’s speech was the correction of historical records. He claimed that for decades, the “true history” of the attacks on Somnath was concealed or “whitewashed” by certain historians and politicians.

• Religious Motive vs. Loot: PM Modi argued that the attacks were driven by religious fanaticism rather than simple plunder. He noted that if wealth were the only goal, the first invasion would have sufficed. Instead, the temple was attacked repeatedly and its idols desecrated.
• The Post-Independence Struggle: He recalled how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s path was obstructed when he took the oath to rebuild the temple in 1947. He also made a veiled reference to former PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s objections to then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad attending the temple’s consecration in 1951.

The Shaurya Yatra and Drone Show

The address was the culmination of a two-day visit filled with symbolic grandeur. On Sunday morning, the Prime Minister led the ‘Mahmud of Ghazni a ceremonial procession featuring 108 horses to honor the warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the shrine over the centuries.

The night prior, a spectacular drone show involving 3,000 drones lit up the sky over the Arabian Sea, depicting the temple’s cycle of destruction and its ultimate resilience.

A Message of Resilience

Closing his speech, the Prime Minister remarked that the history of Somnath is not one of “destruction and defeat,” but of “victory and renewal.” He noted that while fundamentalist invaders have been reduced to mere pages in history books, the saffron flag atop the Somnath temple continues to fly high, symbolizing the enduring spirit of India.