Suvendu bats for large statue of Gopal Mukherjee in Kolkata

A man named Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of Bengal, wants the government to build a very big statue of Gopal Chandra Mukherjee.

People also called him Gopal Patha.

Long ago, in 1946, terrible fighting between people of different religions broke out in Kolkata, called the Great Calcutta Killings.

Gopal Chandra Mukherjee was a strong wrestler, a businessman and a popular local leader in those days.

Some people say he protected Hindu families and saved many lives during the fighting.

Other people say he took part in the violence too, so his story is confusing.

Mr. Adhikari thinks young people should learn about Gopal Patha, and he said this at a special event in Moulali.

A small statue of Mukherjee was already put up by private people, and the city renamed a road after him, which made some people argue.

Mr. Adhikari says the history of the Great Calcutta Killings and Partition should never be forgotten.