Agartala, July 24: The All India Forward Bloc’s Tripura State Coordinating Committee has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to omit the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from a state-run homeopathic institution after its upgradation into a medical college, alleging that the move undermines the freedom fighter’s contribution to India’s independence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Left Front constituent claimed that the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose State Homeopathic Hospital at Sadhutila Renters Colony has been renamed as the Tripura Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital following its upgradation, thereby dropping Netaji’s name from the institution.
The party termed the decision “unfortunate” and alleged that removing the name of one of India’s most revered freedom fighters from a public institution amounts to disrespecting his legacy and sacrifices.
The Forward Bloc said Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose played a historic role in India’s freedom movement and led the Indian National Army (INA) while establishing the Provisional Government of Azad Hind during the struggle against British colonial rule. Given his immense contribution to the nation, the party argued that his name should continue to be associated with the institution even after its transformation into a medical college.
The party demanded that the state government immediately restore the earlier name of the institution by retaining Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s name in the official title of the newly upgraded medical college and hospital.
It also informed that a formal letter has been submitted to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, expressing strong objection to the decision and urging the government to reconsider the renaming.
According to the Forward Bloc, preserving the names of national leaders and freedom fighters in public institutions is essential to honour their contributions and inspire future generations. The party said such names represent the country’s historical legacy and should not be removed during administrative changes or institutional upgrades.
The issue has added a political dimension to the upgradation of the state-run homeopathic hospital into a medical college, with the opposition party urging the government to restore Netaji’s name and maintain the institution’s historical identity. The state government has not yet issued any official response to the demand.
