West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Slams RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Over 'True Independence' Remark

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on considering consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 as India’s ‘true independence’.

Addressing a press conference, Mamata said that the comment of Bhagwat is ‘Anti-national’.

“Can any political party change history? This cannot be done as our democracy, republic, and independence is our pride. Bengal played the most important role in independence and then Punjab. A sovereign country was established on Aug 15, 1947. How can we forget the role played by the freedom fighters? Such a statement is dangerous and should be taken back,” said Mamata.

Notably, on January 14, after presenting an award to Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in Indore while talking to the media, Bhagwat said that January 22, consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya should be celebrated as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’.

Without naming any political party, taking further potshots, the West Bengal Chief Minister added that several chapters of History have been changed.

“One day they will make us forget the name India. Several chapters of history have been changed. Unity in diversity was taught by Swami Vivekananda. Secularism is taught by Ramakrishna Paramhansa. We go by their teachings. We are dedicated to keep our independence intact,” further mentioned Mamata.