West Bengal Day Vs Poila Boishakh, one state, two days, why was there a political war?

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The BJP celebrates West Bengal Day on June 20 and Mamata Banerjee had declared Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) as the official state day.

For the first time after the formation of Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day tour of West Bengal. He is participating in many programs including the first formal West Bengal Day celebration, International Yoga Day. There has been a big debate going on in the politics of West Bengal for some time regarding the State Foundation Day. The central government and BJP celebrate June 20 as West Bengal Day, while on the other hand, former CM Mamata Banerjee had officially declared Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) as the state day.

In this way, to understand the two birthdays of the same state and the political battle behind them, it is necessary to turn the pages of history and politics. Let us understand in detail.

Historical significance of 20th June

20 June 1947 is the date when the members of the Bengal Legislative Council cast a historic vote. Through this voting it was decided that Bengal would be divided. The Hindu-dominated western part decided to remain with India, which we today call West Bengal. The Muslim dominated eastern part became part of Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. This sequence of events happened just before the country’s independence. On 15 August 1947, it formally became an integral state of India. Many historians argue that if this decision had not been taken on 20 June 1947, today’s West Bengal would also have been a part of Bangladesh. Therefore, BJP and many other parties consider this day as the day to protect the existence of the state.

Why oppose Mamta government?

When Trinamool Congress government was formed in the state, Mamata Banerjee, who was serving as CM, and her party were strongly against celebrating June 20 as the foundation day. He says that June 20 is a symbol of bitter memories of partition, riots and displacement of crores of people. According to Mamata Banerjee, Bengal was born not out of any celebration, but out of the pain of partition. For them, this is not a day of celebration, but of mourning. Mamata Banerjee believes that reviving the memories of partition in the name of West Bengal Day can create rift in the society.

A new option given in the form of Poila Boishakh

To end the controversy, Mamata Banerjee chose a new path. He declared the first day of Bengali New Year i.e. Poila Boishakh as the state foundation day. Poila Boishakh is the biggest festival of culture, pride and identity of Bengal. Mamta government argues that this day connects all communities. There is neither the pain of partition nor the shadow of communalism in this. This day is completely dedicated to Bengali identity.

‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ becomes state anthem

Mamata government not only changed the day but also declared Banglar Mati Banglar Jol (Soil of Bengal, Water of Bengal), composed by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, as the official state anthem. This song was written by Tagore during the secession movement of 1905 so that Bengal could be united. Through this the government gave the message that its politics is based on unity and culture.

There are many reasons for this political war

  • Bengali identity vs nationalism: Mamata Banerjee has been presenting herself as the protector of Bengal’s culture and identity. By calling BJP an outsider, she wants to prove that only her party understands the real Bengali sentiments.
  • Explanation of History: For BJP, June 20 symbolizes the idea of ​​a united India and the creation of a safe state for Hindus. They want to remind the contribution of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, who advocated the partition of Bengal so that West Bengal remains a part of India, hence this day supports the policies of BJP.
  • Vote bank politics: Through June 20, BJP tries to woo Hindu refugees and those whose ancestors were victims of Partition. At the same time, Trinamool Congress has disintegrated today due to its efforts to strengthen itself through cultural symbols.
  • Clash with Governor and Centre:This war intensified when the Governor of West Bengal took the initiative to celebrate Foundation Day on 20th June at Raj Bhavan. Then Mamata Banerjee called it contempt of the state government. On the other hand, the Central Government had issued an advisory and recognized June 20 as West Bengal Day, which was completely rejected by the state.

What is the opinion of the general public?

There is a mixed reaction regarding this among the common people of West Bengal. A section of intellectuals believe that the truth of June 20 cannot be denied because it is a constitutional reality. At the same time, a large section of youth and culture lovers prefer to celebrate Poila Boishakh as a festival.

In simple words, this war of dates on the soil of West Bengal is actually a war of ideologies. On the one hand, there is the reality of history which has the pain of partition, while on the other hand, there is the face of culture which looks towards the future. The tussle between June 20 and Poila Boishakh may further polarize Bengal politics in the times to come. At present, West Bengal stands between two contradictory identities. One who sees the date of her birth in the context of partition, and the other who wants to find it in celebration of her culture. At present, amid this tussle, PM Narendra Modi is participating in the West Bengal Day celebrations at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district today. Poila Boishakh went to the polls on April 15 this year.

Also read: How did the drinking water crisis arise in Goa situated on the sea shore? 5 big reasons

Dinesh Pathak

Dinesh Pathak

Basically the reader. Writer by profession. Born on the land of Kabir. Maryada Purushottam was brought up and educated in Ayodhya, the land of Shri Ram. Started career from Lucknow on the banks of Adi Ganga. Sangam Teere Prayagraj, symbol of love From the shadow of Taj Mahal to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Kanpur famous as industrial city and while working on the land of Baba Gorakhnath, learned something or the other from scholars, current affairs, youth, parenting, politics, administration, villages, farms and farmers favorite topics. Gossiping with youth in school, college and university is an additional source of energy. This reader’s writing journey, which started from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh in the year 1992, reached the smart phone through pen, desktop, laptop keyboard. As age is increasing, the hunger for learning, reading and writing is also increasing. Was editor at five centers in Hindustan newspaper. Five books on youth and parenting. Doordarshan made a serial on a book ‘Bas Thoda Sa’.

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