August 9th 2023.
Mumbai activists have accused the BJP-led government in Maharashtra of trying to distort the symbolic value of India’s Freedom Struggle by cracking down on persons wanting to offer tributes at August Kranti Maidan. According to a press release issued by Teesta Setalvad on behalf of the NGO Sabrang, ``Veteran freedom fighters have been commemorating this epic day of our freedom struggle since 1943 itself. Dr. G. G. Parikh who was a young student when he participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942, and who continues to lead this march even at the age of 99, is utterly distraught at this bizarre turn of events.”
The activists were attempting to commemorate the Quit India Movement by marching from the Tilak Statue at Girgaum Chowpatty to August Kranti Maidan. But instead of being allowed to proceed, they were stopped by the police and their plan was thwarted. This is the first time the BJP-led government has tried to commemorate this day, a day that their ideological predecessors had resisted. The advertisement issued by the BJP-led government does not even mention the Quit India movement.
The Maharashtra Foundation Day, which marks the anniversary of the formation of the state of Maharashtra, was celebrated in August Kranti Maidan with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde flagging off a bike rally. But, despite the Chief Minister’s presence, the activists are still seeking justice and asking the government to stop concretization of August Kranti Maidan. They hope that the August Kranti Maidan will remain a symbol of India’s Freedom Struggle and not be distorted or co-opted by the ruling party.
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