“Sovereign India was established on August 15, 1947”: Mamata Banerjee slams Mohan Bhagwat for his “True Independence” remark, calls it ‘Anti- National’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed Rastriya Swamsevak (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat over his ‘True Independence’ remark, called it ‘anti-national’

“What he said is wrong. It’s an anti-national statement. Sovereign India was established on 15th August 1947”, said Mamata Banerjee countering the claim of Bhagwat that true independence of India was established with the consecration of Ram Mandir on January 22 last year. The RSS chief during the first anniversary of the consecration on Monday had claimed that “India has endured persecution for long but true independence was established with the consecration of Ram Mandir”, while calling the independence attained on 15th August 1947 the “political independence of the country”.

Bhagwat’s remarks had stoked a massive controversy with opposition questioning the motive behind such a statement. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had equated his statement with that of "treason" and that “Mr Bhagwat would be arrested and tried if he was in any other country”

Trinamool Supremo questioned if this was an attempt to change the history of India’s freedom struggle. Lamenting that such a statement has come from Bhagwat, she expressed fear that there could be attempts made to change India’s name.

“How can you change the history of India and our freedom struggle. The freedom struggle has the sacrifice of so many people. The history can’t be changed by any party or organisation. Even thought they have made several efforts. I never thought I will have to see this day. I strongly condemn his remarks”, Banerjee added

Mohan Bhagwat was in Indore on Monday to present the National Devi Ahilya award to Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Addressing the gathering there, he said the day of the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi" as it marks the "true independence" of Bharat.