On Khudiram death anniv, CM slams bid to ‘distort legacy’
Times of India | 12 August 2025
Kolkata: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed her anger at a recent Hindi film's portrayal of freedom fighter Khudiram Bose as ‘Khudiram Singh'. Paying tribute to Khudiram on his death anniversary, the CM slammed the attempt by "language terrorists" to "distort the legacy of the pioneering immortal revolutionary". Khudiram, then mere 18 years old, was executed by the British govt in 1908 and is one of the most revered Bengali revolutionaries.
Following the release of the film in April, TMC had objected to it and held numerous protests against it. The film had also shown Khudiram as a Punjab native.
In a long post on X written in Bengali, Banerjee quoted lines from the popular song ‘Ekbaar bidaay de maa, ghure ashi' — written in honour of Khudiram — and said, "Why are those who sacrificed their lives for independence being disrespected? Will language terrorists also distort the legacy of the pioneering immortal revolutionary Khudiram?" The CM added: "Our indomitable youth from Midnapore has been portrayed as a boy from Punjab. Intolerable!" She reminded how her govt had "always honoured this symbol of patriotism and supreme sacrifice.
"
The CM on Monday announced the formation of a development authority for Mahabani — an area associated with Khudiram. She added that a statue of Khudiram had been erected in Mahabani. "Renovating a library, constructing a new large auditorium, and conference room — all have been accomplished. An open stage has also been built. Modern cottages have been built for visitors, and the heritage Khudiram Park has been revitalised. The entire area has been adorned with lights," wrote the CM.
Banerjee also said that she had named a metro station in Kolkata after the revolutionary. "We are so proud of him," she wrote.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.