Adhikari ridicules CM Banerjee over 'Bangla Day' post on Bengali New Year's Day

IANS April 15, 2025 280 views

Suvendu Adhikari has launched a sharp critique of Mamata Banerjee's social media post about Bengali New Year, arguing she is attempting to distort historical narrative. The Opposition leader specifically pointed out that June 20, not Poila Boishakh, represents West Bengal's actual foundation day. Adhikari's statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the state, particularly referencing recent communal violence in Murshidabad. His comments reflect deep political tensions and competing interpretations of West Bengal's complex historical identity.

"While Rome was burning, Emperor Nero was playing the fiddle!" - Suvendu Adhikari
Adhikari ridicules CM Banerjee over 'Bangla Day' post on Bengali New Year's Day
Kolkata, April 15: On the auspicious occasion of Poila Boishakh i.e. Bengali New Year’s Day on Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to mislead people.

Key Points

1

Adhikari challenges Mamata's narrative about state's historical identity

2

Highlights June 20 as actual West Bengal foundation day

3

Connects current tensions to historical context

4

Criticizes Chief Minister's response to communal violence

He accused her of trying to distort history by equating Poila Boishakh with Bangla Dibos or Bangla Day, which signifies the foundation day of West Bengal.

His remarks came after the Chief Minister, through a message posted on the wall of her official X handle, greeted the people of West Bengal on the occasion.

However, instead of ‘Subho Nababarsha (Happy Bengali New Year's Day)’, she wrote, “on this occasion of Bangla Dibos (Bangla Day),” and conveyed greetings to all citizens and best wishes to her “younger brothers and sisters.”

In her message, she quoted the first line of the song “Ami Banglai Gan Gai (I sing in Bengali)” and said, “May the traditional culture of the state be further developed, and may the bonds of brotherhood among the people of the state be further strengthened.”

Her message is significant given the fact that the state has witnessed violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Hundreds of Hindus have fled their homes in the Murshidabad district, where their properties were looted, burnt, and temples desecrated. Two have died in the violence so far.

In his message on X, the LoP ridiculed the Chief Minister both on the issues of Murshidabad violence as well her description of Bengali New Year’s Day as Bangla Day.

“While Rome was burning, Emperor Nero was playing the fiddle! When communal violence is blazing in the state, it is natural for you to sing... But the melody of the song is out of tune!” the statement by Adhikari read.

Adhikari had also claimed that the people of West Bengal would have felt safer had action been initiated by the state government against those who were “rioting, burning government property, and killing people.”

The LoP had also commented on the Chief Minister’s message equating Bengali New Year’s Day with Bangla Day.

Adhikari pointed out that June 20 is historically considered the foundation day of West Bengal, since on that day in 1947, the decision to establish the state was sealed by a vote in the Bengal Provincial Legislative Assembly.

“So 'West Bengal Day' will be celebrated on June 20. And your intention to erase history will never be fulfilled, the name of the state will remain West Bengal because the word 'West' carries memories of a bloody history, which you want to forget, but ironically your political activities are making the memories of that painful chapter even more relevant today,” Adhikari’s message read.

On the occasion, he also mentioned the contribution of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee behind the inclusion of West Bengal into India.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
Why can't we just celebrate our culture without political agendas? Poila Boishakh is about joy and new beginnings, not historical debates. Let's focus on unity! ❤️
R
Rahul S.
Adhikari makes a valid point about historical accuracy. While celebrations are important, we shouldn't rewrite history for political convenience.
A
Ananya D.
The Nero comparison is too harsh! The CM was just trying to spread positivity. Meanwhile, the real issue is the violence in Murshidabad - when will that be addressed properly?
S
Sourav K.
As a history student, I appreciate Adhikari bringing up the June 20 fact. But can we have one day where Bengal isn't divided by politics? Subho Noboborsho to all!
M
Meena R.
The CM's heart was in the right place with the cultural message, but the timing feels off with so much unrest happening. Leaders should be more sensitive to current realities.
D
Debashish P.
Both leaders are missing the point - we need less rhetoric and more action to protect all citizens. The violence is unacceptable regardless of which party you support.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
Suvendu Adhikari Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Politics Bengali New Year Poila Boishakh Communal Violence
You May Like!