“Netaji’s contribution to freedom struggle not given due recognition”

“His far-reaching vision remains relevant today too”

The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and Chairperson of the State Left Front Committee Biman Bose (left) pay homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary, at his statue in Kolkata on Thursday. —Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

The contribution of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to the freedom struggle of the country has not been given its due recognition by the Centre, said Polit Bureau member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Surjya Kanta Mishra here on Thursday.

 He was speaking at an event organised by Netaji Janmajayanti Committee of the All India Forward Bloc to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji.

 “Our demand is that the contribution of Netaji to the freedom struggle of our country has to be given recognition at the national level to enable the present generation know about it,” he said.

 “At a time when the problems faced by women and minorities are waiting to be addressed adequately, Bose’s far-reaching vision to include Hindus, Muslims and women in the Indian National Army remains equally relevant,” he said.

 There is very little mention of those who have laid down their lives in the armed struggle for Independence, Dr. Mishra added.

 Chairperson of the State Left Front Committee Biman Bose accused the United Progressive Alliance government and the State government of not paying heed to the demand to observe Bose’s birth anniversary as “Deshaprem Divas.” The India which Netaji dreamt of was very different from that of the present.

Left leaders, including the former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Mr. Biman Bose, paid homage to Netaji by placing wreaths at his statue.