West Bengal Assembly Passes Resolution to Observe Poila Baisakh as State Day

West Bengal Assembly Passes Resolution to Observe Poila Baisakh as State Day. Image/ANI

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Stands Firm Amidst Controversy

In a significant move, the West Bengal Assembly has passed a resolution to observe Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year Day, as the state day. The decision comes amidst a contentious battle of words between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state’s governor over the matter. The resolution received strong support in the assembly, with 167 members out of 294 voting in favor of it.

Divisive Opinions and Opposition from BJP

Notably, 62 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed their dissent by voting against the resolution. The BJP has been advocating for June 20 to be recognized as the state day, marking the day when the Bengal assembly voted in favor of partition. The lone Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA abstained from voting on the resolution.

Proposal to Celebrate Poila Baisakh and Recognize Tagore’s Work

The resolution, proposed under Rule 169, suggests celebrating Poila Baisakh as “Bangla Diwas” (Bengal Day) and adopting Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s composition ‘Banglar Mat, Banglar Jol’ (Bengal’s soil, Bengal’s water) as the state song.

Mamata Banerjee’s Resolute Stance

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a strong proponent of Poila Baisakh as the state day, expressed her support for recognizing Tagore’s work as the official song of Bengal. She emphasized that the people of Bengal do not support June 20, a date associated with violence and bloodshed during partition, as the state foundation day. Banerjee has been vocal in her disagreement with the Central government’s choice of June 20 for this purpose.

Defiance in the Face of Potential Opposition

Responding to Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s assertion that the governor, CV Ananda Bose, may not approve the resolution, Banerjee remained resolute, stating that regardless of the governor’s decision, Poila Baisakh will be observed as the state day.

BJP’s Accusations of Distorting History

The BJP legislative party participated in the discussion and vehemently opposed the resolution, characterizing it as an attempt to distort history. The resolution has sparked heated debates and discussions in West Bengal’s political landscape, underscoring the importance of historical interpretation and cultural significance in shaping the state’s identity.

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