Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sukanta Majumdar expressed strong objections to Gandhi's assertion. He stated, "I strongly protest the claim that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose died on August 18, 1945, as stated in social media posts by Rahul Gandhi. I demand that Rahul Gandhi apologize within 24 hours for showing disrespect to Netaji, who was the first Prime Minister of India." Majumdar further urged supporters of Bose to voice their dissent against this portrayal.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) also voiced disapproval. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh remarked, "The post of Rahul Gandhi is wrong and is not acceptable. We are celebrating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose... We don't know whether the theory regarding the air crash accident of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is correct or not. The date of death that Rahul Gandhi has mentioned is wrong; he should correct it."
The crux of the dispute lies in the long-standing debate over Bose's fate. While official records suggest that Bose died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945, near Taihoku (present-day Taipei) during an attempt to reach Russian-occupied Manchuria, alternative theories persist. Some historians and Bose's supporters argue that he survived the crash and lived incognito for years, leading to various investigations and commissions to ascertain the truth.
Chandra Kumar Bose, grand-nephew of Netaji, weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the need for sensitivity when discussing Bose's legacy. He stated, "It's essential to approach Netaji's history with care and respect. Unverified claims about his death can lead to unnecessary controversies and hurt sentiments."
Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress have yet to respond to the criticisms. The incident underscores the enduring sensitivity surrounding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's legacy and the importance of careful articulation by public figures.