On that day in 1947, the Bengal Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution sanctioning the partition of Bengal into East Bengal-which subsequently became East Pakistan and, after 1971, Bangladesh-and West Bengal. What is the significance of June 20th and why is it observed as West Bengal Day? To answer that question, a history lesson is imperative. So far, the Centre has sat on the proposal, not least because the name change has been vehemently opposed by a section of Bengalis who have become emboldened after the growth and prominence of the BJP in the state after the 2019 General Election. Its importance grew after Mamata Banerjee initiated moves to change the name of the state from West Bengal to Banga, secured endorsement from the state Assembly and pressed the Government of India to approve the name change. The commemoration was a relatively fringe phenomenon, confined to a small section of the erstwhile refugee community. TILL A FEW years ago, I was unaware that June 20th is observed as West Bengal Day.
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