\”West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticized the Centre for inaction during the Netaji Jayanti celebrations.\”

During the Netaji Jayanti celebrations, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the Central government, accusing it of doing little to honor the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s greatest freedom fighters. Speaking passionately at the event, Banerjee expressed her disappointment with what she perceived as the Centre\’s lack of initiative and commitment in properly commemorating the contributions of Netaji, a towering figure in India\’s struggle for independence. Her remarks underscored the growing debate over how best to remember and celebrate the contributions of historical icons like Netaji in contemporary India.Banerjee\’s criticism was centered on what she called the Centre\’s neglect of Netaji\’s enduring legacy. She argued that despite repeated demands from various quarters, including her own government in West Bengal, the Central government had failed to take concrete steps to highlight Netaji’s contributions on the national stage. According to Banerjee, such inaction was not only a disservice to Netaji’s memory but also a missed opportunity to educate future generations about his role in shaping India’s history.Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a revolutionary leader who formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British colonial rule, is a figure of immense pride for many Indians, particularly in Bengal. His vision for a free and self-reliant India continues to inspire millions. Banerjee emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Central government to ensure that Netaji’s legacy is preserved and celebrated at a national level, through initiatives such as dedicated museums, research centers, and nationwide commemorative events.In her speech, Banerjee highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the West Bengal government to honor Netaji. These included the construction of memorials, the establishment of scholarships in his name, and the organization of cultural and educational programs to spread awareness about his life and achievements. She contrasted these efforts with what she described as the Centre’s indifference, pointing out that despite making promises, the Central government had failed to deliver tangible results.Banerjee’s remarks also touched upon the broader issue of how historical figures are remembered and celebrated in India. She argued that the contributions of leaders like Netaji are often overshadowed by a focus on certain other figures, leading to an imbalanced narrative of India’s freedom struggle. She called for a more inclusive approach to history that gives due recognition to all individuals who played a role in the fight for independence, including those who took alternative paths like Netaji.The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to address the people of West Bengal, urging them to take pride in their heritage and continue to uphold Netaji’s ideals of courage, unity, and self-reliance. She stressed that while the government has a role to play in honoring historical figures, it is ultimately the responsibility of the people to ensure that their legacies live on. She called for greater public participation in events commemorating Netaji and encouraged educational institutions to incorporate more comprehensive lessons about his life and philosophy into their curricula.Banerjee’s criticism of the Centre comes against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions between the state and Central governments. Her remarks may be interpreted as part of a broader effort to assert West Bengal’s unique cultural and historical identity in the face of what she perceives as attempts to homogenize the narrative at the national level. By focusing on Netaji, a universally respected figure, Banerjee seeks to draw attention to what she sees as the Centre’s failure to give adequate importance to regional contributions to India’s history.In conclusion, Mamata Banerjee’s criticism of the Central government during the Netaji Jayanti celebrations serves as a call to action for both the government and the people of India. Her remarks highlight the need for a more concerted effort to honor the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose and ensure that his contributions are recognized and celebrated not just in West Bengal but across the country. By doing so, India can pay a fitting tribute to one of its most iconic leaders and inspire future generations to uphold the values he stood for.