West Bengal Politics – PM Modi Set for Key State Events This Month
West Bengal Politics – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit West Bengal for two days later this month, where he is likely to participate in major public events linked to the state’s newly designated Foundation Day and the International Day of Yoga.
The proposed visit has generated significant political and administrative interest, with preparations reportedly underway for both programmes. According to leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata, the Prime Minister is expected to reach the state on June 20 and remain there until June 21.
Foundation Day Event Planned in Hooghly
One of the main events on the Prime Minister’s tentative schedule is a public gathering in Tarakeswar, located in Hooghly district. The town is widely known for the historic Tarakeshwar Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
June 20 has recently been designated as Bengal Foundation Day by the BJP-led government in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The state administration has cited the historical importance of the date as the reason for selecting it as the official day of observance.
Historical Significance Behind June 20
The decision to mark June 20 as Bengal Foundation Day is rooted in events that took place in 1947. On that day, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, introduced a proposal in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly supporting the partition of Bengal. The move eventually led to West Bengal becoming a part of independent India.
Earlier, the previous Trinamool Congress government headed by Mamata Banerjee observed Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, as the state’s foundation day. Since the festival follows the Bengali calendar, there was no fixed date on the Gregorian calendar for the annual observance.
Political Differences Over the Celebration
The choice of June 20 has also been a subject of political debate. Mamata Banerjee had expressed reservations about observing the day due to the painful memories associated with Partition for many families.
On the other hand, BJP leaders have maintained that a state’s foundation day should be linked to a historically significant event that played a defining role in its formation. The ruling party argues that the developments of June 20, 1947, hold special relevance in the history of West Bengal.
Local Leaders Confirm Tentative Schedule
Tarakeswar BJP legislator Santu Pan stated that, according to the preliminary programme, Prime Minister Modi is expected to address a public meeting in the town at around 2 p.m. on June 20 as part of the Bengal Foundation Day celebrations.
Pan also indicated that additional engagements could be included in the Prime Minister’s itinerary during his stay in the district. However, he noted that final details are still awaited from the Prime Minister’s Office and may be confirmed closer to the event date.
Yoga Day Programme in Kolkata
The following day, June 21, the Prime Minister is likely to participate in an event marking the International Day of Yoga in Kolkata. Sources within the state BJP have indicated that arrangements are being planned for a large gathering connected to the annual global observance.
As per the current schedule under consideration, Modi is expected to travel to Kolkata after completing his engagements in Tarakeswar on June 20. He is likely to stay overnight at Lok Bhavan before attending the Yoga Day programme the next morning.
Tentative Venue Finalised
Party sources have suggested that Netaji Indoor Stadium in central Kolkata is being considered as the venue for the International Day of Yoga event. Final confirmation regarding the programme and venue is expected once official approvals are completed.