Mamata Banerjee Protests BJP MP Nagendra Roy Remark Calling Netaji War Criminal in Kolkata
Political friction in West Bengal intensified after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a public demonstration in Kolkata to protest against derogatory statements made by Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy concerning freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Trinamool Congress chairperson, accompanied by senior party leaders including lawmaker Dola Sen and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, gathered near the statue of Netaji at the busy Shyambazar five-point crossing. The demonstration followed widespread outrage over statements by the BJP MP, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, who described Netaji as a war criminal and questioned the historical contribution of the Azad Hind Fauj in the national freedom struggle.
Addressing gathered supporters and media personnel at the site, the Trinamool Congress chief declared that the remarks were deeply hurtful to the cultural identity and patriotic sentiments of the state. Carrying a portrait of martyr Khudiram Bose, she paid floral tributes at the foot of Netaji's monument while leading crowd chants and patriotic songs honoring historical national figures. She emphasized that disparaging legendary freedom fighters undermines the shared heritage of the nation, calling upon citizens across political lines to reject attempts to diminish historic sacrifices made during the independence movement.
The demonstration unfolded amidst significant local tension as a section of spectators gathered near the protest venue and raised opposition slogans directly targeting the Trinamool Congress chairperson. Protesters shouting slogans disrupted parts of the gathering, marking the second time within days that public events involving the party leadership faced vocal disruptions from local groups. The administrative backdrop near the Shyambazar crossing remained volatile for several hours as police personnel stepped in to maintain public order and separate opposing factions.
In response to the public outcry, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party moved swiftly to distance the organization from the controversial statements. Regional party leadership issued a formal clarification stating that the remarks made by the Rajya Sabha representative were entirely personal and did not reflect the official stance, beliefs, or platform of the party. Meanwhile, civil organizations and historical legacy groups filed formal complaints with cyber crime police units in Siliguri, demanding legal action against the MP for insulting a national icon.
The political confrontation highlights deep-seated sensitivities surrounding historical figures in West Bengal ahead of upcoming political engagements. With political parties fiercely competing over cultural legacy and regional pride, public disputes concerning historical heroes continue to serve as major flashpoints between the ruling state machinery and opposition movements across the region.