Before visiting Kolkata to mark ‘Parakram Divas’, the Jayanti of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sivasagar in Assam where he launched that drive to distribute land allotment papers (‘pattas’) to 1.06 lakh landless indigenous Assamese families. “When our government came to power, nearly six lakh families didn’t have legal papers of their land. Fast development of North East, fast development of Assam is necessary for self-reliant India,” he said.

With Bengal assembly elections around the corner, politics in the state over Netaji has intensified. On Bose’s 125th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations and also officially inaugurate an exhibition and a projection mapping show on Netaji at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. This exhibition will be showcased all around the year. A cultural programme “Amra Nuton Jouboneri Doot”, based on the theme of Subhash Chandra Bose, will also be held.

On the other hand, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a grand parade in Kolkata. She has requested people from all sections of the society and Indians who live abroad to blow a conch shell or do something similar at 12.15 pm, the time of Netaji’s birth, on January 23. “I request Indian missions across the globe to do it as well,” Banerjee said. There are also plans of a monument to named after Azad Hind Fauj, the army Bose led against the British. This will come up at Rajarhat in the eastern outskirts of Kolkata. A university too will be established after him, which will be funded entirely by the state and have tie-ups with foreign universities.

Ahead of his plans on Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, PM Modi tweeted, “Tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a great freedom fighter and true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. A grateful nation will always remember his sacrifice and dedication for the independence of the country. #ParakramDivas.”

Home minister Amit Shah too saluted the leader. “The courage and valor of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose gave new strength to the Indian freedom struggle. He organized the youth power of the country with his charismatic leadership under adverse circumstances. On the 125th birth anniversary of such a great hero of the freedom movement, we honour him,” he said.

“Netaji personified valour, determination and sacrifice. He played an invaluable role in liberating our motherland from the yoke of British rule. The nation will forever be grateful to Netaji for his enormous contribution in India’s freedom struggle. My respectful tributes to the iconic freedom fighter and visionary leader, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary today,” said Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

Modi’s Plans

The Prime Minister will also visit the National Library, Kolkata, where an International Conference “Re-visiting the legacy of Netaji Subhas in the 21st century” and an artists’ camp are being organized. Prime Minister will interact with the artists and conference participants.

Recently, the Centre has decided to celebrate Netaji’s birthday on 23rd January every year as ‘Parakram Diwas’ which the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) government rejected as a political gimmick.

TMC MP Saugata Roy claimed that the central government has declared Netaji’s birthday as ‘Parakram Diwas’ with the aim to reap political benefits ahead of Assembly polls in Bengal.

War over Netaji

Three days ago, the Centre and West Bengal government sparred over the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose with Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel announcing his birth anniversary will be celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ with the Trinamool Congress insisting that the day should be celebrated as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’.

TMC MP Derek O’Brien said West Bengal has been celebrating January 23 as ‘Subhas Diwas’ and added that CM Mamata Banerjee’s demand that January 23 be declared a national holiday in Netaji’s honour is yet to be accepted by the Centre.