12 Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday termed as "anti-national" RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comment that India's true freedom came on Jan 22, 2024 — the day of consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya — and the date should be celebrated as Independence Day.
"I consider this to be an anti-national statement. He must withdraw his words. India became a sovereign nation on Aug 15, 1947. Do you think the country's history can be changed at any time? Can any political party do it? This is a dangerous comment and should be retracted.Saif Ali Khan Health Update'Still trying to process': Kareena's first reaction after husband stabbed'Attacker was in son Jeh's room': Saif Ali Khan's staff shares shocking detailsSaif Ali Khan attacked: 20 police teams formed to search for accusedIt is an attempt to distort history. I strongly condemn it," Banerjee said.
She added, "They (RSS) are trying to make us forget the history of our freedom movement. Can they do it? Our history is our pride. Our democracy is our pride. Gandhiji, Netaji, Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh all fought for our freedom. Tagore and Nazrul were part of it."
Banerjee said the RSS chief's views had left her stunned. "I never thought I would have to hear such words. They have already changed several chapters of history," she said and reminded that Bengal's contribution to the freedom movement was the most followed by Punjab.
"How can we forget our freedom fighters? We salute the jawans who laid down their lives before and after independence. How can we forget their martyrdom? What will be the identity of our country if we forget them? They want to make people forget the identity of India. Can they change India's history or its name? India or Bharat or Hindustan will remain the same," the CM said and added, "We are ready to sacrifice our lives to protect the country's freedom but we are not ready to tolerate such statements."