Thaindian News

Kolkata, Jan 23 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday described the mystery about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’ death as a national shame and wished the leader “a long life”.

“It a shame for me, and for all that we still do not know anything about Netaji’s death. It is a shame and pain that we will continue to bear until we discover the facts,” Banerjee said at the Netaji Bhavan here on the occasion of his 115th birth anniversary.

She also said a leader like him who still continues to inspire generations cannot die.

“We still continue to be influenced and inspired by his thoughts and beliefs. He still continues to inspire generations. His beliefs, thoughts and doctrine are sacred for all Indians and he is and will be revered, no matter whether he lives in Singapore, Japan or any other country.”

In an apparent dig at the communists, who earlier had criticised her for celebrating Bose’ birth anniversary Saturday at the secretariat, Banerjee said: “We do not need a particular day to celebrate and honour a person like him. Leaders like him must be honoured and felicitated every day, every minute.”

Saying “leaders like him never die”, Banerjee concluded her speech with “Netaji amar rahe”.

However, she immediately corrected herself. ” ‘Amar rahe’ is for one who has died, but we don’t know if he is dead. He might be alive. I wish him long life.”