Historical debate escalates as parties cite freedom fighters

Patna – The controversy surrounding Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge’s comments on Subhash Chandra Bose and Veer Savarkar has intensified. BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash demanded that Kharge and his party, which he claims he constantly praises, study the very history they invoke. He argued that Kharge lacks factual backing and is merely trying to appease specific voter blocks.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar responded by emphasizing the need to understand history rather than exploit it for political gain. He reiterated that Bose’s role in the freedom struggle is undeniable, even as Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and Bose pursued different strategies.

Supporting Kharge, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad warned of “revisionist” attempts to rewrite history and called for action against those who undermine national values. Likewise, Socialist Party national spokesperson Fakhruul Hasan Chand noted that the historical accounts of Bose’s Indian National Army and Savarkar’s distinct viewpoint are already well‑recorded, adding no new revelations. The exchange reflects the broader tussle over India’s nationalist heritage.