– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat sparked controversy by describing the construction day of Ram Temple as the “real Independence Day” of India. His remarks drew strong criticism, notably from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who condemned them as anti-national.
Addressing a press conference at Nabanna on Thursday, Banerjee stated, “Such comments undermine our nation’s history and the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar, whom we deeply respect. This is an insult to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. I am both surprised and disappointed.” She emphasised that India’s Independence was achieved on August 15, 1947, and that any attempt to rewrite this history is unacceptable.
The controversy originated on Monday when Bhagwat, speaking at an event in Indore, referred to January 22, 2024 – the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Temple – as the “real Independence Day.” He urged for the day to be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” claiming it marked the country’s true freedom. Opposition parties, including the Congress, strongly opposed this statement.
Banerjee questioned the intent behind Bhagwat’s remarks, saying, “Can any party or organisation alter the history of our Independence to suit its agenda? Our independence, republic, and democracy are our pride, and no one can take that away.”
She invoked the legacy of freedom fighters and reformers such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Nazrul Islam, Vidyasagar, Rammohan Roy, Chittaranjan Das, Matangini Hazra, Baghajatin, and Basanti Devi. “Millions of common people sacrificed their lives for the country. We have not forgotten their contributions,” she asserted, reiterating her commitment to preserving the values of freedom, sovereignty, and unity.
