Replace Gandhi's photo on currency notes with Netaji's, demands Hindu Body

A new demand by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to replace Mahatma Gandhi's photograph on currency notes with Subhas Chandra Bose has sparked a fresh controversy.

While addressing mediapersons at a press conference in Kolkata, Chandrachur Goswami, West Bengal working president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, said that Bose’s contribution to India’s freedom was not less than Gandhi, hence the best way to honour one of the greatest freedom fighters is to have his picture on the currency notes.

"We think Netaji's contribution to the country's freedom struggle was no less than that of Mahatma Gandhi. So the best way to honour India's greatest freedom fighter Netaji is to have his picture on currency notes. Gandhi's photo should be replaced with that of Netaji," said Goswami

During Navaratri celebrations, the Hindu organisation displayed an idol of Mahushasur resembling Gandhi in a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, causing outrage.

The asur displayed in the pandal was bald-headed with round glasses, wearing a dhoti went viral and sparked an uproar. However, the organisation denied that it portrayed Gandhi as a demon.

"We had no intention to portray Gandhi as Mahishasur. It was unintentional. Those trying to create a controversy on the issue should refrain from doing it," the outfit said earlier.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also slammed the Hindu outfit saying that people would give a befitting reply to those who insulted the father of the nation.

"It's a matter of shame that they tried to malign Durga Puja by using the face of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, as that of 'asur'. All of us respect Gandhiji," the chief minister said earlier.

For the unheard, the Hindu Mahasabha has recently announced that it would participate in 2023 panchayat election in West Bengal.

"Neither the TMC nor the BJP has been able to protect the rights of Hindu Bengalis. We will fight to protect their rights. We also don't support the demand for the division of Bengal by certain BJP leaders. We want to work towards strengthening the state," Goswami said.