Himanta Sarma backs Kangana's claim that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was India's first PM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came to the defence of BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut who had claimed that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first prime minister of the country.

On social media X, Sarma said Netaji had established the Azad Hind government four years before Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had become the Prime Minister and that it was recognised by nine countries.

'To those mocking @KanganaTeam - On 21 October 1943, Netaji established the Azad Hind Govt, of which he was the head, nearly 4 years before Pt Nehru took oath as Prime Minister following transfer of power'', the Chief Minister posted on 'X'.

''Nine countries recognised the Azad Hind Govt as the legitimate Government of India. This subconscious urge to interpret history on the lines of colonialists is called 'Ghulami ki Mansikta'", he added.

Sarma's reaction came after a video of the actor-turned-politician asserting that Bhose was the first prime minister of India and not Nehru.

"Let me clear this first. When we gained independence, where did the first Prime Minister of India, Subhash Chandra Bose, go?" When the interviewer tried to correct her, Kangana insisted, "No, please clarify this today. Where did he go?"