Poila Baisakh declared as West Bengal’s Foundation Day
The West Bengal Assembly has passed a resolution declaring Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year, as the state’s foundation day. The resolution was passed with 167 members voting in favour of it and 62 voting against it.
The resolution was proposed by the state government, which argued that Poila Baisakh is a more inclusive and secular day than June 20, which is the day the Bengal Assembly voted in favour of partition. The government also said that Poila Baisakh is a day of celebration and new beginnings, which is more appropriate for a foundation day.
The opposition BJP opposed the resolution, saying that June 20 is the only legitimate foundation day for West Bengal. The BJP also said that the government’s decision was motivated by political considerations.
The resolution is a symbolic gesture, but it is significant because it reflects the state government’s desire to move away from the legacy of partition. Poila Baisakh is a day that is celebrated by all Bengalis, regardless of their religious or political affiliation. It is a day of hope and renewal, which is a fitting way to mark the foundation of a new state.
The resolution is likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some people will welcome the move, while others will see it as a political ploy. However, the resolution is a significant step in the process of healing the wounds of partition and building a more united West Bengal.
