Raising questions on why plainclothes policemen were posted in front of Netaji’s house if he was declared dead in the 1945 plane crash at Taihoku, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that there should be discussions with Russia to unravel the real picture relating to Netaji's death. Secret files reveal that these cops constantly kept watch on Subhas and his relatives for decades together.
Banerjee has also directed the senior state government officials to hold a year-long workshop on Netaji’s life to unearth the real story of his disappearance. Bengal's Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Education Department and the Netaji Research Bureau will organise the workshop.
Banerjee was speaking at a programme organised on the eve of the 75th year of “the great escape” of Netaji from his Elgin Road house. She said: “The Prime Minister went to Russia. I don’t know whether he discussed the matter. But I think that discussion in this connection with Russia is essential.”
“Many have claimed that Netaji had died in Japan. Has any DNA test to ascertain the truth been carried out? We are going to many places starting from NASA. Then why has this simple task which can unravel the truth about Netaji not been done?,” she said.
It is disappointing that the exact reason behind the death of Netaji is still a mystery even after 75 years when he has left home to gain freedom for theb motherland, she said. “There was conspiracy during Netaji’s time and it still exists", she added.
“What we will leave for the next generation? It is a shame on our part to say that we don’t know the date when Netaji died. Attempt was made to bring the ashes of Netaji from Japan. But I protested saying---first reveal the truth and then bring the ashes,” she said.
Banerjee said Gandhiji is the father of the nation and Netaji is the leader of the nation. Gandhiji was a man of mass movement while Netaji was a great diplomat.
The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the restoration of the Wanderer car in which Netaji had escaped on January 16, 1941. It may be recalled that before his great escape, Netaji had insisted that his nephew Sisir use the Wanderer because of its shabby look. He had also asked Sisir, who was a medical student, to know the skill of replacing tyres.
She also declared that the route that Netaji followed to reach Howrah Station from his Elgin Road House would be renamed.