Former MP Krishna Bose, Netaji’s niece-in-law, dies at 89

Born on December 26, 1930, Bose was married to Sisir Kumar Bose, nephew of Subhas Chandra Bose. She had taught at City College in Kolkata for 40 years, where she headed the English department and later served as principal of the college. She also chaired the Council of the Netaji Research Bureau till death and headed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs during her third stint as an MP.

She joined politics in 1996 and won the Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket. In 1998 and 1999, she was re-elected as an MP on a TMC ticket.

On Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tributes to Bose and said, “Krishna Bose did a commendable job to restore documents of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.”

Earlier, Banerjee tweeted, “I lost someone respected, loved & admired by me. Saddened & shocked to hear about the demise of Krishna Bose, ex-TMC MP & wife of freedom fighter Dr. Sisir Bose. Being a part of Netaji’s family, she was a revered social reformer, renowned poet & a courageous educationalist.”

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “Paid floral tributes at Netaji Bhawan to Krishna Bose member of parliament 11th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabha. A noble soul. Her passing is huge loss to society. Last met her at Navy Day Celebration on December 04. She was great source of inspiration to us. May her soul rest in peace.”

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury said he had lost a sister in Bose.

“She was a famous politician, educationist, liberal and extremely confidant on democracy. It is hard to believe that Krishna Bose is no more. I lost my elder sister. Her death is an irreparable loss for the country,” he said.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said, “Mourn the sad demise of educationist Prof Krishna Bose. A committed social & political activist. A long term MP & a predecessor of mine in Jadavpur parliament constituency of West Bengal. I pay my regards to Krisnha di.”