West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the central government for its decision not to declare a holiday on January 23, marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Mamata Banerjee questioned the government's priorities and, seemingly alluding to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, labeled it as 'political.' She expressed her disappointment, stating that holidays were granted for what she considered "political publicity."
Speaking at a program in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay, stating, "I am ashamed that a holiday was given for political programs, but not for people who have laid down their lives for the country." During the event commemorating Netaji's birth anniversary, she highlighted her lifelong efforts to persuade the Indian government to recognize Netaji's birthday as a national holiday. Despite her endeavors, Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over her perceived failure in achieving this goal.
While Uttar Pradesh declared a complete holiday, several states opted for a half-day (till 2.30 pm) closure of government offices and educational institutions on January 22, coinciding with the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Additionally, bar associations urged judicial forums to either suspend judicial proceedings for the day or refrain from issuing adverse orders due to the non-appearance of lawyers or litigants.
