Mamata, who had been invited to address the meeting before the prime minister, called the slogan “politicizing a worthy event” before returning to her seat. Modi made no reference to the row in a speech mixed with Bengali phrases.
Mamata hadn’t even started to speak when she was greeted with the chant “Jai Shri Ram” from the crowd sitting on the east lawn of the Victoria Memorial. Security and protocol officials said the first five rows were reserved for VIP guests, but the rest of the crowd, which numbered around 5,000, was made up of “mostly BJP sympathizers.”
Mamata, visibly upset, immediately protested against the alleged interruptions. “This is not a political event. I thank the prime minister for organizing this in Kolkata. But you don’t want to invite someone and then insult that person. I refuse to speak in protest. Jai Hind! Jai Bangla! “Mamata said.
#WATCH | I think the government program should have dignity. This is not a political program … You do not want insu … https://t.co/o7X5HPNDEZ
– ANI (@ANI) 1611402420000
The turn of events overshadowed the celebrations and sparked a bitter political row on the anniversary of the birth of one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. Trinamool Congress condemned the slogans in a solemn ceremony. “It was planned in advance. No word is enough to condemn the indiscipline and lack of decency in remembering Netaji, ”said Trinamool MP Saugata Roy.
BJP found itself divided on the issue, with some calling it unfortunate and others questioning the CM’s response. “She was insulted when some people greeted her with ‘Jai Shri Ramslogans. What kind of policy is this? BJP Bengal caretaker Kailash Vijayvargiya said.
However, the BJP’s top official, Shamik Bhattacharya, differed. “The slogans of the program were undesirable and unfortunate,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi’s speech in Hindi was peppered with quotes from Netaji in Bengali. “I prostrate myself before the holy land of Bengal that raised little Subhas and taught him to grow through sacrifice. Netaji’s sacrifice and perseverance are the source of energy for today’s youth. We want generations to remember it. His birthday will be celebrated as Parakram Diwas (day of courage), ”he said.
Wondering how Netaji would have felt if he had seen the new india taking shape today, Modi commented: “From LAC to LoC, the world is witnessing a powerful avatar of India that Netaji once imagined. India today is giving an adequate response wherever it is tried to challenge its sovereignty ”
The prime minister noted that Netaji used to treat poverty, illiteracy, disease and the lack of scientific innovation in the country as his main problems. “Today, our nation strives to make women and farmers self-sufficient and to strengthen educational infrastructure. We are introducing a new national education policy, ”he said.
Modi said Netaji would have been proud to see India help other nations with Covid-19 vaccines. “Netaji once asked people not to give up hope for a free India. Similarly, no one can prevent India from being self-sufficient, “said the prime minister, adding that India will continue to walk the path shown by Netaji to create” Sonar Bangla. ”
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