West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Goofs Up Again, Claims Mahabharata Was Written By Kazi Nazrul Islam

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• Aug 30, 2023 | Dhupali Das

West Bengal Chief Minister had a few days back mistaken famous Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma as legendary Bollywood actor-director Rakesh Roshan...

Digital Desk: In a recent address that has left many bemused and bewildered, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mistakenly attributed the authorship of the epic, 'Mahabharata,' to the renowned Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The slip-up occurred during the TMCP Foundation Day event, where Banerjee emphasized the importance of imbibing wisdom from great literary figures.

Banerjee's assertion that Kazi Nazrul Islam, known as the "rebel Bard of Bengal" for his anti-colonial writings and messages promoting communal harmony, authored the Mahabharata is, however, inaccurate. The 'Mahabharata' was actually written by the sage Veda Vyasa and is one of the most significant texts in Indian mythology.

"Studies alone do not make a person learn in the real sense. One has to have a big heart. Read and understand what our great men have written. Read Rabindranath, Nazrul, Vivekananda.... Mahabharat was written by Kazi Nazrul Islam," Banerjee stated during her speech, drawing perplexed reactions from the audience.

This isn't the first instance of Banerjee's statements raising eyebrows. Previously, she had garnered attention for confusing Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma with film star Rakesh Roshan while congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This error, coupled with her latest misattribution, has drawn criticism for its factual inaccuracy and lack of attention to historical and literary details.

In a prior address, Banerjee had even claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had dispatched individuals to the moon and recounted their response upon seeing India from space. "'Rakesh' replied 'saare jahan se achha'," she had stated. It's crucial to note that Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut in space, did not land on the moon. However, Banerjee's perpetuation of this misrepresentation has left many perplexed.

The recent mix-up between Rakesh Sharma and Rakesh Roshan has also triggered a wave of reactions on social media platforms. The confusion became a trending topic online, and netizens seized the opportunity to flood the internet with humorous comments and memes, poking fun at Banerjee's mistakes.

As political figures are often under the microscope for their statements and actions, these instances have not only invited criticism but have also led to questions about the accuracy of information conveyed by leaders. Banerjee's recent gaffes serve as a reminder that attention to detail and accurate information dissemination are crucial, especially when addressing the public or discussing matters of historical and cultural significance.