Mamata Banerjee ‘need not have reacted adversely to a slogan’: Netaji’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose’s grandnephew has reacted to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to speak at Netaji’s birth anniversary event after “Jai Shree Ram” slogans were raised in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the Victoria Memorial.

“Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stood for unity. He had people of all communities in Azad Hind Fauj. Whether you say ‘Jai Hind’ or ‘Jai Shree Ram’, I don’t find difference. ‘Jai Shree Ram’ isn’t a statement where one should react in allergic manner,” Netaji’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose said, ANI reported. 

“I think the CM need not have reacted adversely to a slogan whether it’s ‘Jai Hind’ or ‘Jai Shree Ram’. This is not the day to do any politics. It is a day to celebrate, it is a day to pay homage to the soldiers and martyrs of Indian National Army,” he added. 

Mamata Banerjee visited the Victoria Memorial to attend a cultural program that was arranged to pay tribute to Netaji on his 125th anniversary. As soon as the chief minister was called upon the dais, people from the crowd started chanting the ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogan, following which she refused to speak. 

“This is a government program and should have dignity. This is not a political program….It doesn’t suit you to insult someone after inviting them. As a protest, I won’t speak anything,” she said.