Mamata Banerjee Protests BJP MP's Remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

What Happened

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest on August 11, 2026, in Kolkata's Shyambazar area. The demonstration, held near a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was in response to comments made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj. Roy reportedly described Netaji as a "war criminal" and questioned his leadership and the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's freedom struggle. Banerjee stated that the remarks were "deeply hurtful" to the people of West Bengal. She was joined by TMC MP Dola Sen and MLA Kunal Ghosh. During the protest, Banerjee raised slogans and sang songs in support of Bose.

Key Facts

• Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee protested on August 11, 2026, in Kolkata's Shyambazar.
• The protest was against remarks made by BJP MP Nagendra Roy (Ananta Maharaj) about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• Roy reportedly called Netaji a "war criminal" and questioned his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj's role.
• Banerjee described the remarks as "deeply hurtful" to the State's people.
• TMC MP Dola Sen and MLA Kunal Ghosh participated in the protest with Banerjee.
• Slogans of "chor, chor" (thief, thief) were directed at Banerjee during the protest.
• This followed a similar incident in Halisahar where protesters shouted slogans against Banerjee.
• Tension arose in the Shyambazar 5 Point Crossing area due to the protest.
• Protesters against Banerjee stated, "Those who themselves are tainted should not garland Netaji."
• A written complaint was filed at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station by an organization calling itself Netaji Bahini regarding the insult to Bose.
• The West Bengal BJP leadership stated that Roy's comments were personal and not endorsed by the party.

Background

The remarks by the BJP MP have generated significant reaction within political circles in West Bengal. The incident involving slogans against Banerjee in Halisahar, North 24 Parganas district, occurred just two days prior to the Kolkata protest.