Modi at BJP govt-led Bengal Foundation Day amid Partition debate

New Delhi: For the first time, the West Bengal Foundation Day or Paschim Banga Divas/Bangla Dibas is being celebrated in Bengal by the BJP government Saturday.

On the occasion, PM Narendra Modi is visiting the state, his first visit since the BJP came to power.

In a post on X, CM Adhikari emphasised that people were “delighted” to join PM Modi in celebrations of the State Day. “On behalf of the people of West Bengal, I extend a hearty welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji on his visit to our vibrant State. We are delighted to have Hon’ble PM join us to grace the auspicious occasion of ‘Paschimbanga Dibos’ and participate in the grand International Yoga Day event celebrations. Welcome to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukhopadhyay’s West Bengal, Shri Narendra Modi Ji,” said CM Adhikari.

On behalf of the people of West Bengal, I extend a Hearty Welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji on his visit to our vibrant State.
We are delighted to have Hon’ble PM join us to grace the auspicious occasion of ‘Paschimbanga Dibos’ (পশ্চিমবঙ্গ দিবস) and… pic.twitter.com/MYXoHq0iwL

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) June 20, 2026

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi today extended greetings to the people of West Bengal on the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day), highlighting the state’s rich cultural, intellectual and historical legacy.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the state has played a defining role in shaping India’s civilisational and national journey through its contributions across multiple fields.
“Warm greetings to my sisters and brothers of West Bengal on the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas,” he said.

He added that the day holds deep historical significance for the state and is a reminder of a crucial moment in West Bengal’s integration with the Indian Union.

“This day celebrates a state that has profoundly shaped India’s history through its contributions to diverse areas, be it literature, music, art, spirituality, science, trade and commerce, social reform, and more. Time and again, West Bengal has enriched India’s national consciousness in countless ways,” the Prime Minister said.

Warm greetings to my sisters and brothers of West Bengal on the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas.

This day celebrates a state that has profoundly shaped India’s history through its contributions to diverse areas be it literature, music, art, spirituality, science, trade and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2026

Referring to the historical importance of 20 June, the PM Modi said the date remains significant in West Bengal’s political history. “Today, 20th June, is of immense significance in West Bengal’s history. This was the day which ensured that West Bengal remains an integral part of India,” he said.

Paschimbanga Divas is the official foundation day of West Bengal, celebrated annually on 20 June. The day honours the state’s unique cultural identity, history, and the legislative framework that led to its formation.

The significance of 20 June dates back to 1947, when the Legislative Assembly convened to vote on the partition of Bengal under the Mountbatten Plan. Members from the Hindu-majority areas, which later became West Bengal, overwhelmingly supported the partition to align with India.

Talking about the importance of the date, Dr Rup Kumar Barman, Professor of History at Jadavpur University, told ThePrint, “West Bengal came into existence through the partition of the British Indian province of Bengal following the announcement of the 3 June Plan in 1947 by British Prime Minister Clement Attlee. The Legislative Assembly was given the choice of whether the province should remain united or be partitioned.

“In the initial joint session held on 20 June 1947, the Assembly voted in favour of the whole province joining the newly formed Pakistan. However, in a separate session held on the same day, legislators from non-Muslim-majority districts voted in favour of partition and retaining those districts within India. This decision ultimately paved the way for the creation of the state,” he said.

Supporters of West Bengal Foundation Day say June 20 is being celebrated because it marks the day when legislators from Bengal’s non-Muslim-majority districts voted to remain within India, a decision that ultimately led to the creation of West Bengal. They argue that the date represents the political foundation of the state and provides an opportunity to remember the historical developments, debates and decisions that shaped modern West Bengal during the Partition period.

“In the initial joint session held on June 20, 1947, the Assembly voted in favour of the whole province joining the newly formed Pakistan. However, in a separate session held on the same day, legislators from the non-Muslim-majority districts voted in favour of partition and retaining those districts within India. This decision ultimately paved the way for the creation of West Bengal,” he said.

Several political leaders, including Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, argued that if Partition became unavoidable, the Hindu-majority districts of western Bengal should remain within India. Supporters of West Bengal Foundation Day contend that the 20 June vote reflected the aspirations of these districts and ensured their inclusion in the Indian Union.

When asked whether the day had been marked in the past, Dr Barman said that a notable event was organised in 2023 by then Governor C. V. Ananda Bose at Raj Bhavan.

However, the TMC has opposed marking 20 June. The party has argued that the date is closely associated with the Partition of Bengal, which led to displacement, migration and hardship for millions of people. It has also maintained that there is no long-standing tradition of celebrating 20 June in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had advocated Poila Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, as a more inclusive occasion to celebrate Bengal’s language, culture and identity.

“June 20 will always hold special significance for the people of the state because it marks a crucial moment in the events that led to the creation of West Bengal. We understand that the TMC does not support the celebration of West Bengal Foundation Day, but we believe the day deserves recognition for its historical importance. The TMC frequently uses the slogan ‘Joy Bangla’, which has historical associations with Bangladesh’s liberation movement,” said Keya Ghosh, a BJP functionary.

“When TMC says the state’s history should only be remembered through Independence Day celebrations on August 15, they should remember that some parts of West Bengal celebrate Independence Day on August 18, not on the 15th of August. We believe 20 June has its own historical significance and should be remembered as an important milestone in the formation of West Bengal,” she added.

“The future generation should learn the history behind the formation of West Bengal and the events of 20 June 1947. We believe several important chapters of Bengal’s past have been overlooked, and celebrating the day will help people reconnect with that history,” Amitava Roy, vice president of the West Bengal BJP, told ThePrint.

Velamarthi Venkatachalam is a TPSJ alum and intern at ThePrint

(Edited by Viny Mishra)

---

Also read: What happened on 20 June 1947 & why Mamata called all-party meet to decide Bengal statehood day

---