BJP member? Is Nabanna Abhijan's mascot who stood against water canons really sadhu?

New Delhi: A sadhu holding the Indian tricolour and standing defiantly against water cannons in Kolkata has become a powerful symbol of courage and defiance. The sadhu, who identified himself as Balaram Ghosh, explained why he joined the RG Kar protests. However, the mystery deepened as Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress claimed he was actually Prabir Ghosh, a BJP member.

Dressed in saffron robes and sporting a thick beard, the sadhu stood firm as water cannons aimed at protesters in Kolkata blasted around him. His image has become a representation of resistance against Mamata Banerjee's government. In an interview with India Today TV, the sadhu revealed his name as Balaram Bose and detailed why he was part of the protests in the RG Kar rape-murder case.

Yet, the controversy escalated when the Trinamool Congress alleged that the man was actually Prabir Bose, a photographer and BJP member.

Thousands rally towards Nabanna amid heavy security

On August 27, thousands of demonstrators marched toward Nabanna, the West Bengal Government Secretariat, while over 6,000 security forces prepared for confrontation. Iron and aluminum barricades were erected, with water cannons and riot control equipment on standby.

The 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest quickly turned violent, with demonstrators demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim and calling for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. Protesters hurled stones and tore down barricades, while the police responded with water cannons to disperse the crowd. Despite the intensity, protesters were unable to reach Nabanna, but the image of a saffron-clad sadhu resisting the water cannons stole the show.

Holding the national flag and gesturing to the police, the sadhu became an emblem of defiance against Banerjee's administration. The video was shared by former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who commented, "The people rise against tyranny..."

Who is the saffron-clad sadhu?

In his initial conversation with ANI, the man seen in the viral footage identified himself as Balaram Bose. He expressed his commitment to a non-partisan solution to the issue of women's safety and demanded swift justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The person in saffron robe is Not a Sadhu. But a BJP Karyakarta. Pls update @IndiaToday @ShivAroor https://t.co/E9WlGQTZbT pic.twitter.com/aAzMU0qkoI

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) August 29, 2024

During an interview, Bose reaffirmed his identity as Balaram Bose, addressing the accusations from the ruling Trinamool Congress that he was affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

When asked about his ability to withstand the water cannons, Bose said, "I believed our voices had to reach Nabanna. I was prepared to die if necessary. My mantra was to make sure our protest was heard at Nabanna."

He added that his actions were inspired by his guru, Aurobindo Ghosh, stating, "Aurobindo Ghosh once said, if you truly want to achieve something, do it—otherwise, die."

A call to action, not politics

Responding to accusations of political motives, Bose clarified that his participation in the protest stemmed from a call by students for justice. "There was a call for every household to send a representative. I have women, sisters, and a daughter at home. We must be concerned about their safety. That’s why I joined the protest," he told media outlets.

He continued, "It was a calling from my soul to join the march to Nabanna." His act of clutching his wrist during the protest became a notable symbol of resistance. Reflecting on it, Bose said, "I was urging the police to break free from the chains of the autocratic system and join us. I wanted them to either stop us or let us be swept away by the water cannons."

"I represent the women who are raped every day," he added passionately.

Bose, who identifies as a Sanatani and devotee of Lord Shiva, emphasized, "I do not want any political party to hijack this movement. We are only seeking justice, nothing more."

TMC claims sadhu's BJP ties

After the sadhu’s image went viral, the Trinamool Congress alleged that he was a BJP member. A social media page called 'Trinamool Supporters' posted claims linking him to the BJP. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose also echoed the accusations, stating on X, "The sadhu at the @BJP4India's Kolkata mob violence turns out to be a photographer named Prabir Bose in religious garb. He's also a @BJP4India member. What a JOKE."