Claims authenticity of ex-PM’s letter calling Netaji a ‘war criminal’ needs to be ascertained.
New Delhi : Branding the letter in which former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru allegedly termed Subhash Chandra Bose a ‘war criminal’ as complete `bogus`, the Congress Party on Saturday demanded to find out the authenticity of the document first.
“I am surprised that the newspapers and TV channels are even running this story. Before running the story they should first find the authenticity of the letter. The letter is bogus,” Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said.
“We welcome the declassification of Netaji’s files. If there is anything in the files, it will come out,” he added.
Party leader Anand Sharma, addressing a press conference had earlier said that declassification of Netaji’s files was a ‘deliberate’ attempt by the ruling dispensation to divert attention from other important issues.
“This mischief is a targeted one, to mislead people and try to belittle the great achievements of stalwarts of the freedom struggle. The Congress will expose and take action against this mischievous fake letter,” he said. “We will take all measures to punish people once identified. Whoever is taking ownership must come forward,” he added.
Sharma further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government wanted to encash on the name of Bose. “The way this matter has been brought to the limelight, it raises several questions on ruling dispensation’s intentions,” he added. Sharma further said that BJP can’t claim any leader who was on the forefront of the freedom struggle.
This is what the letter allegedly written by Pt. Nehru to Prime Minister Clement Atlee of England on December 27 1945, says; “Dear Mr Attlee, I understand from reliable sources that Subhash Chandra Bose, your war criminal, has been allowed to enter Russian territory by Stalin. This is a clear treachery and betrayal of faith by the Russians as Russia has been an ally of the British-Americans, which she should not have done. Please take note of it and do what you consider proper and fit.” The letter is signed, “Yours Sincerely, Jawaharlal Nehru.”
