Congress slams BJP for 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans at Netaji event: 'no right to insult Mamata'

As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to speak at the Parakra Diwas event at Victoria Memorial in mark to protest to the "Jai Shri Ram" slogans raised, Congress has backed her step and condemned the action of BJP supporters. Speaking to media, Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that it was all planned by the BJP and CM Mamata should have been cautious. Slamming the BJP, Chowdhury said that the insult of Mamata Banerjee in such a manner is an insult of the Bengali culture. 

Chowdhury said, "I have political differences with Mamata Banerjee and I will reiterate that it is because of her that BJP entered Bengal. But BJP has no right to insult her. Mamata Banerjee is a woman and BJP's insult to women is condemnable. I condemn the action and Congress wants to ask the Prime Minister about his stance on the issue, as he was present at the event? BJP shouldn't think that Ram is only their God. They have insulted Bangla culture."

Earlier, claiming that Banerjee had insulted the legacy of Netaji, BJP I-T chief Amit Malviya said that previously she had insulted the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore by refusing to attend Viswa Bharati’s centenary celebrations. Bengal in charge of BJP, Kailash Vijaywargiya wondered why was there politics over 'Jai Shri Ram'. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij hit out at her. He said that ''Jai Shri Ram'' slogan to CM Mamata is like "red rag to a bull". He opined that this is the reason why she stopped her speech at an event in Kolkata.

READ | Railways renames 'Howrah Kalka Mail' as 'Netaji Express' after Parakram Diwas announcement

Mamata Banerjee refuses to speak 

Fuming at the 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans raised prior to her speech, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, walked off the dais at Kolkata's Victoria memorial where the Centre's Parakram Divas celebrations, marking Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary were held. On being called to address the crowds ahead of PM Modi's speech, Banerjee was met with loud calls of  'Jai Shri Ram'. Terming it an insult to the invitee, she refused to speak at the event as a mark of protest, and thundered - 'Have some dignity'.

"I feel that a government program should have dignity. This is not a political program, this is a government program. I am grateful to the Prime Minister and Cultural ministry for holding this program here in Kolkata. It doesn't suit you to insult someone after inviting them. As a protest, I won't speak anything. Jail Hind. Jai Bangla," said Banerjee before walking away.

READ | Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Speak At Netaji Event After Crowds Raise 'Jai Shri Ram' Slogans

Desh Nayak Vs Parakram Diwas

The BJP and Trinamool are currently embroiled in a battle to claim Freedom fighter  Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's legacy. The Government of India has decided to observe Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on January 23 every year as Parakram Diwas. It has already renamed Howrah Kalka Mail as "Netaji Express", has arranged a program at Victoria Memorial and National Library Programme in Kolkata, released a memorial postal stamp. The Centre announced its move ahead of Netaji's 125th birth anniversary to pay tribute to the freedom fighter to inspire the youth of the nation to 'act with fortitude in the face of adversity'. These moves come ahead of Bengal polls in April-May.

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Meanwhile, the Mamata government has announced that a committee is formed for year-long celebrations dedicated to Netaji - similar to the Centre. It has also organised a 'Padyatra' for Netaji, build an INA Monument at Rajarhat and proposed to form a National Cadet Corps (NCC) like organisation in state-run schools and colleges and name it 'Jai Hind Bahini'. Opposing the Centre's 'Parakram Diwas' announcement, CM Mamata said, "We have observed 'Deshnaayak Divas' today. Rabindranath Tagore called Netaji 'Deshnaayak'. What is this 'Parakram'?," adding "You are building a new parliament and buying new planes, why no memorial for Netaji?".

READ | Mamata govt sets up Netaji panel, wants national holiday & formation of 'Jai Hind Bahini'