Uproar on 'West Bengal Foundation Day', CM Mamta Banerjee objects to the program at Raj Bhavan

An intense controversy arose in West Bengal on June 20th as the Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor, celebrated the state's Foundation Day, sparking objections from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The disagreement unfolded through a series of letters and a phone conversation between the Chief Minister and Governor CV Anand Bose.

CM Mamata Banerjee, in a letter to Governor Bose, expressed strong opposition to the celebration of "West Bengal Foundation Day" at Raj Bhavan and urged him not to organize the event. The Chief Minister cited the partition of Bengal on this day in history and criticized the Union Home Ministry for unilaterally designating it as the foundation day without any consultation.

Despite the Chief Minister's objection, Governor Bose proceeded with the West Bengal Foundation Day program at Raj Bhavan. During the event, he invoked the example of Swami Vivekananda, encouraging the youth of the state to work towards restoring its pride. A cultural program was also organized to commemorate the occasion. In the midst of the controversy, President Draupadi Murmu sent a congratulatory message, praising the talented people of West Bengal and their potential to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation through innovation and economic vibrancy.

The foundation day issue has been a subject of contention since 2021, with the Leader of the Opposition, Shubhendu Adhikari, advocating for the celebration of June 20th as West Bengal Day. The BJP, in particular, has supported this notion, asserting that West Bengal officially became a part of India on June 20, 1947. However, members of other political parties, including Biman Banerjee, have disputed the historical significance of this date.