Subhash Chandra Bose’s nephew Ardhendu Bose  |  Photo Credit: ANI
Kolkata: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s nephew Ardhendu Bose on Sunday rejected Mahatma Gandhi-led peace movement’s role in India’s independence and rather credited SC Bose and his Azad Hind Fauj for the country’s independence.
He also accused first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of sidelining Netaji Bose and keeping his story away from history books.
While speaking to media on Subhash Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary, his nephew Ardhendu Bose said, “It was not Gandhi’s peace movement that brought independence to India. The activities of Azad Hind Fauj and Netaji brought independence to this country and it was admitted by the then PM of England, Clement Richard Attlee as well.”
He went on to add, “There was a lot of friction between Netaji and Jawaharlal Nehru, a rivalry, apparently. So, it was decided to keep Netaji on the other side of history.”
He lamented that not much has been written about SC Bose in history books and youngsters don’t know much about the great freedom fighter and his Azad Hind Fauj.
Notably, last year, the government had declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Born on January 23, 1897, Netaji played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement. He had also established the Azad Hind Fauj.
In a first, India will begin Republic Day celebrations from January 23 instead of January 24, to include the birth anniversary of late freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It will end on January 30, the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.