'Insult to nation': Mamata attacks BJP over Netaji remarks, armtwisting TMC leaders

In a Facebook Live session, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denounced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for disrespecting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's legacy. She expressed her deep disappointment and heartbreak over the recent remarks made by BJP leaders regarding Bose and urged the people to come together in protest against the insults directed at the freedom fighter.

Mamata's criticism came in response to remarks by BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya, who had criticized the Forward Bloc, the party founded by Netaji, and referred to its members as "goons" while discussing Bose's political differences with Hindutva ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Despite the BJP's denial that their comments were an insult to Netaji, describing them as part of a political disagreement, Mamata maintained that any such disrespect was an affront to the entire nation.

During the address, Mamata also addressed several other political issues. She alleged that young protesters over alleged examination irregularities had been branded "anti-national," tortured, and faced threats from authorities. She further claimed that TMC workers had been imprisoned following the elections and accused the BJP of turning West Bengal into a "mega prison."

Mamata also accused the BJP of pressuring TMC MPs and MLAs to join their party or face imprisonment, questioning whether the police played a role in coercing elected representatives to switch allegiances. Additionally, she raised concerns over the ongoing census exercise in Bengal, expressing doubts over its fairness and the absence of political parties from the process.