Kolkata, August 11, 2026: A programme to pay tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Shyambazar in Kolkata turned into a political protest on Tuesday after slogans of ‘chor, chor’ were reportedly raised during the visit of Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the venue carrying a portrait of freedom fighter Khudiram Bose and paid floral tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue.
Speaking at the programme, the former Chief Minister highlighted the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and said the contributions of leaders such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi and Matangini Hazra would never be forgotten.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also said that her government did not organise programmes merely for show and stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle.
However, shortly after Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee placed a garland on Netaji’s statue, slogans of ‘chor, chor’ were reportedly raised from within the crowd. The incident created tension at the venue and turned the tribute programme into a political flashpoint.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that BJP workers were behind the protest and claimed that they had surrounded the former Chief Minister during the programme.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee subsequently left the spot in her car. The protest and slogans reportedly continued even after her departure from the venue.
The incident has triggered fresh political tensions in Kolkata, with the TMC and BJP facing off over the allegations surrounding the protest.
The development adds to the continuing political friction in West Bengal, where public appearances by senior political leaders have frequently become occasions for protests, counter-slogans and political confrontations.
