West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of disrespecting the legacy of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose and urged people to launch a democratic movement against what she called attempts to undermine Bengal’s historic icons.
In a video message released from her residence in Kalighat, Banerjee said Netaji remains a symbol of pride, courage and sacrifice for the people of Bengal.
“Netaji represents the pride, emotions and spirit of struggle of the people of Bengal,” she said, alleging that some BJP leaders had made disrespectful remarks about the freedom fighter. She questioned why Netaji should face such treatment in his own home state.
‘A dirty political game is underway’
Highlighting Bose’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle, Banerjee said he founded the Indian National Army (INA), popularised the slogan “Jai Hind” and played a historic role in the country’s independence movement. She also referred to his declaration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as free during the freedom struggle.
Alleging attempts to diminish the legacy of both Netaji and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Banerjee said, “A dirty political game is underway.”
Calling for public resistance, she urged people to protest peacefully.
“Those who have a conscience and refuse to bow before power should come forward and protest,” she said.
Renews demand for Netaji files
Banerjee also renewed her demand for the declassification of files related to Netaji. She alleged that the BJP had promised before coming to power that all classified files concerning Bose would be made public but had failed to fulfil that commitment.
She further claimed that the Trinamool Congress had faced restrictions in organising political programmes and alleged that the party had been forced to seek court permission for several events. According to Banerjee, democratic and constitutional rights were being curtailed and party workers were being targeted through legal cases.
Despite these challenges, she said the Trinamool Congress would continue its political activities through democratic movements.
Raises concerns over census and voter verification
The Chief Minister also questioned the transparency of the upcoming census process and said political parties had not been consulted.
Referring to voter verification, Banerjee expressed concern over who would be included or excluded from official records and warned of what she described as the possibility of an NRC-like situation.
She claimed that millions of names had already been left out of electoral rolls and said she had approached the Supreme Court seeking legal intervention. According to her, the issue requires a broad public movement.
Claims book royalties have not been paid
Banerjee also alleged that she had not received royalty payments from the sale of her books this year.
She said the royalties are her primary source of income, adding that she neither draws a government salary nor receives a pension.
Suggesting political interference, Banerjee alleged that those responsible for releasing the payments were unwilling to act because of pressure from the BJP. The BJP has not responded to these allegations.
