Hindu body demands Netaji's face on currency notes instead of Gandhi ji

The Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) on Friday demanded that the picture of Mahatma Gandhi on currency notes should be replaced with that of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha said that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's contribution to the freedom struggle was "no less" than the Father of the Nation, PTI news agency reported.

The demand from the organisation comes weeks after the outrage over the installation of a Mahishasur idol that resembled Mahatma Gandhi at a Durga puja organised by ABHM.

"We think Netaji's contribution to the country's freedom struggle was no less than that of Mahatma Gandhi. So the best way to honour India's greatest freedom fighter Netaji is to have his picture on currency notes. Gandhiji's photo should be replaced with that of Netaji," ABHM state working president Chandrachur Goswami said while addressing a press conference, the news agency reported.

Goswami also said the organisation has decided to contest state panchayat polls due next year.

Goswami's demand drew criticism from the TMC and the Congress, which said the offshoots of the BJP should stop pursuing divisive politics in West Bengal.

Congress state unit president Adhir Chowdhury said Gandhiji's role in the country's Independence is undeniable. "All of us know who was behind the killing of Mahatma Gandhi and now his ideals and principles are being murdered daily. The BJP and the RSS should answer to this," Chowdhury said.

Goswami, however, reiterated that the depiction of Gandhiji as Mahishasur was "unintentional" and "coincidental", the news agency reported.

The news agency further reported that ABHM had claimed that it was a "coincidence" that the Mahishasur idol, which had a bald head and was dressed in a white dhoti and round glasses, bore resemblance to Gandhi.

"We had no intention to portray Gandhiji as Mahishasur. It was unintentional. Those trying to create a controversy on the issue should refrain from doing it," he said.

Speaking on his outfit's plan in the state, Goswami said the organization will contest the next year's panchayat polls.