West Bengal's Poila Baisakh, As State Foundation Day Decision

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A Pivotal Resolution: State Foundation Day

State Foundation Day: The West Bengal Assembly has made a significant move by passing a resolution to officially recognize Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year’s Day, as the state’s foundation day, marked on April 15th. This decision hasn’t been devoid of controversy and differences of opinion, especially concerning the chosen date for this celebration. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been a fervent advocate for this change, underscoring that the day will be observed, irrespective of the state governor’s stance.

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A Historic Choice: State Foundation Day

The resolution, proposed under Rule 169, suggests the observance of Poila Baisakh as ‘Bangla Diwas’ and aims to designate Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s masterpiece, ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ (Bengal’s soil, Bengal’s water), as the official state song. This momentous decision secured a majority vote, with 167 members in favor out of a total of 294 members in the House. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone in the assembly shared this viewpoint.

BJP’s Opposition

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 62 MLAs in the West Bengal assembly, staunchly opposed the resolution. They argue that the state’s foundation day should be celebrated on June 20th, a date steeped in historical significance. On this day in 1947, West Bengal’s MLAs voted for the partition of Bengal, an event celebrated as Bengal Day by some.

Mamata Banerjee’s Unwavering Stand

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains steadfast in her support for the new foundation day. She emphasized that the people of Bengal do not endorse June 20th, a date linked to the violence and turmoil of the partition, as the state’s foundation day. Banerjee had previously expressed her disagreement with the central government’s selection of June 20th as the state’s foundation day, considering it ‘inaccurate.’

Safeguarding Cultural Heritage

In the midst of these differing opinions and amidst the controversy, West Bengal’s decision to embrace its cultural heritage by observing Poila Baisakh as the state’s foundation day represents a significant stride. This choice underscores the state’s rich history and underscores its dedication to preserving its cultural identity, even in the face of disagreements and opposing viewpoints.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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