PM says Netaji's family will meet him, silent on files

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Sep 20 2015 | 4:57 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he will host over 50 family members of Subhash Chandra Bose at his residence next month but skipped any reference to declassification of secret files related to Netaji which is being demanded after West Bengal did so a few days back.
In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi spoke about a number of issues, including those he had highlighted during the previous episodes like giving up of LPG subsidy, Swacch Bharat campaign, promotion of khadi besides pushing for greater voter participation and paying tributes to soldiers on the 50th anniversary of 1965 India-Pak war.
During the 30-minute programme -- 12th edition marking completion of one year of 'Mann Ki Baat' -- he recalled that in May he had met some family members of Bose during a visit to Kolkata.
"I got an opportunity to spend some time with them. That day it was decided that the extended family of Subhash babu will visit the Prime Minister's residence.... Last week, I got confirmation that over 50 members of Subhash babu are coming to visit the Prime Minister's residence," Modi said.
"Over 50 members of Subhash babu's family, from various countries, will be coming...I am happy to welcome them," he said.
Describing it as a momentous occasion for him, Modi said the family members of Netaji, perhaps for the first time, would be together visiting the Prime Minister's residence. "But the bigger happiness is for me as nobody in the Prime Minister's residence would have got such a chance earlier as I will be getting in October."
While making the reference to Bose, the Prime Minister made no mention of the issue of declassification of secret files related to the freedom fighter.
After West Bengal government declassified 64 such files a few days back, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and some others have demanded that the central government also should declassify the files that are with the PMO and Home Ministry.
Talking about LPG subsidy, Modi said 30 lakh people have shunned it up after his 'give-up' call and most importantly, many of them are not rich people.
"Is this not a silent revolution? Is not reflective of people's power? Governments also should learn that beyond the realms of government, there is a big capable, energetic and committed society. The more the governments remain connected to the society, the more it can work as a catalyst to bring changes in the society," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 20 2015 | 4:57 PM IST

Next Story