Buddhadeb urges PM to declare January 23 as ''Desh Prem Divas''

Kolkata, Jan 17 (PTI) West Bengal Chief MinisterBuddhadeb Bhattacharjee today requested Prime MinisterManmohan Singh to declare January 23, birthday of SubhasChandra Bose, as ''Desh Prem Divas''.

In a letter to Singh, Bhattacharjee wrote, "The spiritof patriotism of which Bose is the symbol is all the morerelevant today in our country when divisive forces are tryingto raise their heads in different corners to challengenational integration."

Noting that Netaji''s contribution to India''s freedommovement needs no elaboration, Bhattacharjee said, "You willagree that the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice of Bose forthe country should be spread throughout India."

The chief minister said that his government hasdecided to observe January 23 as Desh Prem Divas in the state.