Bengal witnesses political tug-of-war on Netaji's birth anniversary

The 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose turned out to be the perfect fodder for politics ahead of the West Bengal elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee resorting to a show of nationalism in a bid to establish themselves as the true flag-bearers of the freedom fighter.

Kolkata (West Bengal): On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Kolkata witnessed one of the most exacerbating political tugs-of-war with all forces concerned claiming that they are true flag-bearers of the iconic and legendary freedom fighter from Bengal.

The worst display of politicisation of the auspicious day took place at Victoria Memorial just before Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressed the 'Parakram Diwas," celebration. As chief minister Mamata Banerjee rose to deliver her address on the occasion, there were "Jai Shri Ram" slogans from a section of the audience. An agitated chief minister skipped her address in protest and said that it is unfair to insult an invitee in a government programme.

In his speech, the Prime Minister gave a subtle political twist as he claimed that 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', (Self Reliant India) was Netaji's dream. "Netaji would have been happy to see today's Atmanirbhar Bharat," the Prime Minister said.

The prelude to the entire show of nationalism and display of respect towards Netaji started just hours ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata. Following the last moment announcement that the Prime Minister will also visit Netaji's ancestral residence at Elgin Road in South Kolkata in the afternoon, West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, made an unscheduled visit to Netaji Bhavan on Saturday morning.

Read:Mamata greeted with 'Jai Shri Ram' chants, refuses to deliver speech

While addressing the programme, Banerjee used the opportunity to slam the Union government by recollecting the event of disbanding the Planning Commission, founded by Netaji. She also reiterated her demand that the Union government should announce Netaji's birthday as a national holiday.

Without directly naming the BJP, the chief minister said she or her party are not like those who remember Netaji only before the elections. "Netaji remains in our heart for 365 days. We are in constant touch with his family," the chief minister said.

Later, the Trinamool Congress took out a rally from Shyambazar 5-point crossing in North Kolkata to Red Road in Central Kolkata to commemorate Netaji's 125th birth anniversary. At Red Road, while addressing the people, the chief minister accused the Union government of disbanding the Planning Commission which was founded by Netaji and thus insulting the great soul of Bengal.

Read:World witnessing 'powerful' India envisioned by Netaji: PM Modi

Without naming the Prime Minister, Banerjee criticised him as she said that a true leader moves ahead with everyone and not with a particular section. "In Netaji's INA, there were people from all religions and beliefs," the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, the state BJP unit in West Bengal also used the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji to conduct a public relations exercise before the elections. Processions were brought out and cultural events were organised on the occasion.