Principles and ideals of the freedom movement in danger: Mamata

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed regret that the principles and ideals that guided the freedom struggle and are enshrined in the Constitution are now under attack by sectarian political forces.

She reiterated her commitment to defending India’s sovereignty and secularity.

Earlier, Banerjee had hoisted the tricolour on the Red Road on Independence Day, inspected a parade of various army and police regiments and awarded medals to four IPS officers for their outstanding performance.

Sharing pictures of the Independence Day celebrations on X, she lamented, “It is sad that the principles and ideals that inspired our freedom struggle and are reflected in our Constitution are now under attack by sectarian and nefarious political forces.

India, which was destined to be a proud, democratic and secular state, is now threatened by forces favouring autocracy, she said.

“But we continue to be inspired by our brave freedom fighter Bagha Jatin, who once said, 'We will die, but this will wake up the people of the country,'” the Prime Minister said.

“We remain determined to dedicate our lives to keeping India’s tradition of sovereignty, secularism and diverse heritage intact,” she promised.

Jatindranath Mukherjee, also known as Bagha Jatin, was the founder of the Anushilan Samity and died in a gunfight with the British on September 10, 1915.

He was given the name Bagha Jatin for his courage in taming a tiger in his village at a young age.

The celebrations on the day also included colourful tableaux highlighting the achievements and key projects of the state government, as well as performances by children from various schools.