MPs give Netaji function a miss

The All India Forward Bloc was planning to make a big event out of 109th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. But much to their annoyance, Bose8217;s followers today found themselves alone in the Central Hall of Parliament 8212; neither their friends from the Left nor their allies from the UPA Government turned up for the celebrations.

What upset Forward Bloc MP and general secretary Debrata Biswas most was that not a single minister or leader from Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha was there to attend the garlanding function. The only two MPs who accompanied him during the lonely ceremony were Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani and Rajya Sabha MP Lalit Suri. 8216;8216;I am amazed that no one thought it necessary to attend the birth celebrations of the patriot. Could the Congress ministers or leaders dare do this to the Nehru family? They could have deputed at least one minister,8217;8217; lamented Biswas.

And the music that was played at the ceremony added to the disappointment. 8216;8216;They could have played INA songs. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has not heard of any such cassette. I had to supply them with the right music.8217;8217;

Biswas8217;s grouse did not end with lack-lustre celebrations at Central Hall. The Republic Day dress rehersal clashing with Netaji8217;s birthday compounded his anger.