PM Modi Champions Netaji's Vision of a Powerful India on Parakram Diwas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video address commemorating Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary on Parakram Diwas, articulated his government's commitment to realizing Bose's dream of a robust and self-reliant India. He asserted that a weak nation is incapable of achieving its objectives, underscoring that contemporary India has mastered the art of building, managing, and utilizing power effectively.
Historical Neglect and Corrective Measures
Addressing a program in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Modi took a pointed swipe at the insecurities of post-independence leaders, implicitly targeting Jawaharlal Nehru and successive Congress governments. He lamented that the illustrious history of the islands, which were briefly under the control of Bose's Indian National Army during World War II, was not preserved due to a desire to credit only one family for India's independence.
"In their political self-interest, the nation's history was neglected," Modi remarked, highlighting that the islands continued to bear the names of British officers until his administration initiated corrections. He noted that Port Blair has been renamed 'Shri Vijaypuram,' a tribute evoking Netaji's victory, and recalled that in 2023, 21 islands were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees as part of these restorative efforts.
Defence Self-Reliance and Strategic Power
Modi emphasized that India is advancing its defence sector towards self-reliance in alignment with Bose's vision. He referenced Operation Sindoor, the military strikes on terror sites in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, as an example of India's capability to strike enemies in their own territories and neutralize threats. This, he stated, exemplifies his government's adept use of power to achieve national goals and the expansion of indigenous defence production.
Amit Shah's Tribute and BJP's Critique
Home Minister Amit Shah, in a separate post, lauded Netaji's "unwavering determination to liberate India" through his arduous journey across various nations. Shah urged every youth to study Bose's life to fortify their resolve in safeguarding the nation, noting that "Netaji declared an independent India in 1943 by hoisting the tricolour in Andaman and Nicobar Islands."
At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi intensified the criticism against Congress, accusing the party of attempting to erase Bose's contributions during its prolonged tenure. Trivedi cited historical comments, including those from B.R. Ambedkar, to argue that Nehru dismissed Bose's Forward Bloc as a negative, fascist, and communal group against Congress. He contended that Bose's campaign was pivotal in undermining the colonial rulers' confidence in the loyalty of Indian soldiers, playing a decisive role in India's independence.
Modi concluded by reaffirming that his government has taken corrective measures to honor Netaji's legacy and ensure that India's history is preserved and celebrated accurately, free from partisan distortions.
