Mamata Banerjee honors Khudiram Bose, condemns film’s inaccuracies

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid heartfelt tributes to revolutionary freedom fighter Khudiram Bose on his martyrdom anniversary, while sharply criticizing the makers of the Hindi film Kesari Chapter 2 for allegedly misrepresenting Bengali revolutionaries.

Banerjee expressed outrage over the film’s portrayal of Bose as “Khudiram Singh” and Barindra Kumar Ghosh as “Birendra Kumar” from Amritsar, calling it an insult to India’s independence heroes. “Khudiram Bose is a symbol of patriotism and supreme sacrifice. Why are those who gave their lives for independence being insulted?” she questioned in an impassioned X post.

Banerjee highlighted the inaccuracies as an affront to Bengal’s proud revolutionary legacy, noting that Bose, one of India’s youngest freedom fighters, was hanged at 18 on August 11, 1908, for his role in the Muzaffarpur bomb case. She accused the film of portraying “our indomitable youth from Medinipur as a boy from Punjab,” calling it “unbearable.” In June, an FIR was lodged against the film’s producers at Bidhannagar South police station for misrepresenting historical facts, sparking widespread debate over the depiction of India’s freedom struggle.

The Chief Minister also outlined her government’s efforts to preserve Bose’s legacy, particularly in his birthplace, Mahabani, Medinipur. Through the Mahabani Development Authority, the state has developed the area with initiatives like installing a statue of Bose, renovating a library, constructing a modern auditorium, and building an open-air stage. Modern cottages for visitors and a revitalized Khudiram Park, adorned with lights, further honor his memory. Banerjee emphasized that these efforts reflect the state’s deep respect for Bose’s sacrifice.

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Beyond Mahabani, Banerjee noted that a Kolkata Metro station has been named after Khudiram Bose, underscoring the state’s pride in his contributions. “We have always paid tribute to this man, a symbol of patriotism and supreme sacrifice,” she said. The controversy surrounding Kesari Chapter 2 has reignited discussions on the importance of accurate historical representation in cinema, with Banerjee urging filmmakers to respect the legacy of India’s freedom fighters.

As West Bengal commemorates Bose’s martyrdom, the state remains committed to celebrating its revolutionary heroes through tangible tributes and public awareness.

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