BJP Netaji controversy: How anti-Netaji remarks sparked political storm in West Bengal before Independence Day

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing sharp criticism in West Bengal after a series of controversial remarks and actions involving Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India's most revered freedom fighters. The controversy has put the ruling party on the defensive in a state where Bose remains an enduring symbol of pride and nationalism.

The row comes just days before India's 80th Independence Day celebrations and has prompted West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to publicly distance the BJP from comments made by some of its leaders while promising strict action against anyone insulting Netaji.

Why is the BJP facing criticism over Netaji?

The controversy erupted after multiple incidents involving BJP leaders drew criticism from political opponents, historians and even members of the BJP itself.

Among the developments that triggered the backlash were:

• Remarks by West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya targeting the Forward Bloc, the political party founded by Netaji.
• Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy (Ananta Maharaj) describing Netaji as a "war criminal" and questioning the contribution of the Indian National Army (INA) to India's freedom movement.
• A dispute over replacing the name of Netaji Subhash Road with Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road in Birbhum district.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, accused the BJP of disrespecting one of Bengal's greatest icons and launched protests over the remarks.

Samik Bhattacharya's remarks on Forward Bloc

The controversy began in July when West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya criticised the Forward Bloc while speaking at an event commemorating Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

Bhattacharya alleged that Forward Bloc members had attacked Mookerjee during the 1940 Calcutta Municipal Corporation election and later defended his comments despite criticism from the party.

Forward Bloc leaders rejected the allegations, calling them historically inaccurate and accusing the BJP leader of distorting history.

BJP MP's 'war criminal' remark intensifies row

The controversy escalated after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy questioned Netaji's role in India's freedom struggle and described him as a "war criminal".

Roy also questioned the formation of the Indian National Army and claimed its soldiers were originally members of the British Indian Army captured during World War II.

His comments drew widespread criticism from across the political spectrum, including several BJP leaders.

Former Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy condemned the remarks, while Union Minister Nishit Pramanik said he could not support the MP's statement. Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta also criticised Roy, calling his remarks unacceptable.

Mamata Banerjee leads protest

The Trinamool Congress quickly seized on the controversy.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest at Kolkata's Shyambazar, paying floral tribute to Netaji's statue and accusing the BJP of insulting one of India's greatest freedom fighters.

She said Netaji, along with Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, represented Bengal's identity and deserved respect beyond political differences.

Road renaming controversy adds fuel

The political storm intensified after a road known locally as Netaji Subhash Road in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, was reportedly renamed after Syama Prasad Mookerjee during a BJP programme.

Municipal authorities later said the civic body had not officially approved any such renaming, while BJP MLA Dhruv Saha defended the move, insisting the party continued to hold Netaji in the highest regard.

The episode nevertheless became another flashpoint in the growing controversy.

BJP launches damage-control exercise

Facing mounting criticism, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari publicly clarified that the BJP does not support derogatory remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

He said strict action would be taken against anyone insulting the freedom fighter and reiterated that the Narendra Modi government had consistently honoured Netaji's legacy through initiatives such as:

• Declassification of Netaji-related files.
• Introduction of Parakram Diwas to mark his birth anniversary.
• Installation of Netaji's grand statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

Adhikari also announced that MLA Seva Kendras in West Bengal would be named after Netaji.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government withdrew the prestigious Banga Bibhushan award conferred on Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy following his remarks.

Why Netaji remains politically significant in Bengal

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose occupies a unique place in West Bengal's political and cultural landscape. Revered across party lines, he remains one of the state's most celebrated national icons.

For years, the BJP has accused both the Congress and the Trinamool Congress of failing to adequately honour Bose's contribution to India's freedom struggle. Since coming to power at the Centre in 2014, the party has taken several symbolic steps to project itself as the custodian of Netaji's legacy.

However, the recent controversy has complicated that narrative, with statements by some BJP leaders handing political ammunition to the Opposition ahead of Independence Day celebrations.