New Delhi buzzed with sharp political rhetoric on Friday as BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi unleashed a fierce critique of Congress and TMC during a press conference at the party headquarters. The occasion was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, and Trivedi didn’t hold back in accusing the opposition of deliberately sidelining the freedom fighter’s monumental contributions.
Trivedi directly challenged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, pointing out her party’s roots in Congress. ‘If TMC truly honors Netaji, why not drop “Congress” from your name?’ he quipped, warning that Bengal’s discerning voters would uproot the party otherwise. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gestures, like honoring Azad Hind soldiers in the 2018 Republic Day parade and reinstalling Netaji’s statue at India Gate, replacing the erstwhile George V monument.
Delving into history, Trivedi highlighted how Netaji shattered British illusions of unwavering loyalty from Indian troops. Citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 1955 BBC interview, he noted that Bose’s efforts eroded the morale of British forces, hastening independence. ‘Netaji’s role was unparalleled, yet attempts to erase it from history are shameful,’ he asserted.
Trivedi also questioned Congress’s inaction during World War II. While Bose saw the war as an opportunity to pressure the British in 1939, Congress waited three years and even offered support in 1942 resolutions. ‘From 1931 to 1947, barring Quit India, no major movements—why?’ he probed, framing Netaji’s vision as the true first step toward a sovereign India, independent of British oaths like Nehru’s on August 15, 1947.
As debates on India’s freedom struggle intensify, Trivedi’s words underscore BJP’s push to reclaim Netaji’s legacy, positioning Modi as its true champion amid ongoing political slugfests.