Mamata Banerjee faces 'chor' slogans at protest against BJP leader's Netaji remarks
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday faced "chor, chor" slogans in Kolkata during a party programme held to protest controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday faced "chor, chor" slogans in Kolkata during a party programme held to protest controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by a BJP MP. The disruption came just two days after Banerjee was met by similar protests in Halisahar, adding to the political tension around her public appearances. The TMC programme had been organised around alleged derogatory comments on Netaji, but it turned into another confrontation as a group gathered near the venue and raised slogans against Banerjee. BJP leader Nagendra Roy's remarks have given the TMC an opening to present the issue as an attack on Bengal's nationalist legacy, while the protests against Banerjee have shifted attention to allegations of corruption and public anger.
Read Full Story Banerjee reached Shyambazar five-point crossing in north Kolkata carrying a portrait of freedom fighter Khudiram Bose and paid tribute at the feet of Netaji's statue. The programme was organised by the TMC over remarks made by Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj. The controversy began after Roy described Netaji as a "war criminal", questioned his leadership and raised doubts over the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's freedom struggle. West Bengal BJP leaders later distanced themselves from the statement, saying Roy's comments were personal and were neither endorsed nor believed by the party. As Tuesday's event was underway, a group raised "chor, chor" slogans targeting Banerjee, briefly disrupting the proceedings.
The TMC alleged that the protest at Shyambazar was deliberately orchestrated by people backed by the BJP to disturb the programme and insult Banerjee. The BJP has denied involvement in the Halisahar incident as well, with its leaders saying the protests reflected public anger against Banerjee. On Sunday, protesters surrounded her vehicle and shouted "chor" slogans, and also allegedly threw mud and slippers, when she had gone to meet the family of a TMC worker who died in police custody. Police personnel formed a cordon around her vehicle as protesters reportedly blocked its passage. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had denied any role of his party in that episode, saying it showed "strong public anger" against Banerjee.
He had also said that since Banerjee had "committed so much theft", she would have to hear people call her a "thief". Banerjee, meanwhile, tried to keep the focus on the freedom movement by invoking Netaji, Mahatma Gandhi and Matangini Hazra. She said her party did not organise programmes merely for "show" but honoured freedom fighters from the heart. With similar slogans being raised at two events within days, the political clash has sharpened around both Netaji's legacy and Banerjee's public standing. Ends
The BriefWire