Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has come to the defense of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who sparked controversy with her claim that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first Prime Minister of India. Sarma stated that Netaji had established the Azad Hind government, recognized by nine countries, four years before Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister. He also criticized those who mock Ranaut's statements as having a "colonialist mentality." Ranaut made the claim during a media summit, with the video clip going viral on social media.
Background
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader during the Indian independence movement. He is best known for his role in establishing the Indian National Army (INA) and leading it against the British during World War II. However, Bose's political journey and legacy have been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy.
One of the most controversial claims about Bose is that he was the first Prime Minister of India. This claim has been made by certain historians and supporters of Bose, but it is not widely accepted by mainstream historians.
Assam Chief Minister's Defense
Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came to the defense of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who sparked controversy by claiming that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first Prime Minister of India. Sarma stated that Netaji had established the Azad Hind government, which was recognized by nine countries, four years before Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister. He also criticized those who mock Ranaut's statements as having a "colonialist mentality."
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose the first Prime Minister of India?
Answer: No, according to mainstream historians, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India after independence in 1947.
2. What was the Azad Hind government?
Answer: The Azad Hind government was a provisional government of India formed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his supporters during World War II. It was based in Southeast Asia and sought to liberate India from British rule.
3. How many countries recognized the Azad Hind government?
Answer: Nine countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, and Burma, recognized the Azad Hind government.
4. Who established the Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose established the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942.
5. What is the controversy surrounding Netaji's disappearance?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance after the end of World War II remains a mystery. There are several theories about his fate, including that he died in a plane crash, escaped to the Soviet Union, or continued to live in India incognito.
Conclusion
The claim that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first Prime Minister of India is a controversial one that lacks mainstream historical support. While the Azad Hind government established by Netaji did gain some international recognition, it was never formally recognized as the government of India by the British or the Indian National Congress. Nonetheless, Bose's legacy as a prominent nationalist leader and his contributions to the Indian independence movement continue to be debated and discussed today.
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