"Welcome to Shyama Prasad Mukhopadhyay's West Bengal": Suvendu Adhikari Greets PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in West Bengal on Saturday to participate in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations and the 12th International Yoga Day event, drawing a warm welcome from senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

In a post on X, Adhikari said the people of the state were delighted to host the Prime Minister during the celebrations.

"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' (pshcimbngg dibs) and participate in the grand International Yoga Day event celebrations. Welcome to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukhopadhyay's West Bengal, Shri Narendra Modi Ji," said Adhikari.

PM Highlights Bengal’s Contributions to India

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to the people of West Bengal on the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas, describing the state as a cornerstone of India's cultural, intellectual and historical development.

"Warm greetings to my sisters and brothers of West Bengal on the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas," he said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister noted that the state has made enduring contributions across fields ranging from literature and music to science, social reform and commerce.

"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.

June 20 Holds Special Place in Bengal’s History

Emphasising the historical significance of June 20, Prime Minister Modi said the date marked a turning point in ensuring West Bengal's place within the Indian Union.

"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, observed annually on June 20, commemorates the events of 1947 when the Bengal Legislative Assembly voted on the partition of Bengal under the Mountbatten Plan. Representatives from the Hindu-majority regions that later became West Bengal voted in favour of partition and integration with India, while members from Muslim-majority regions supported remaining united or joining what became East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Modi's two-day visit to West Bengal includes participation in Paschimbanga Divas events and International Yoga Day celebrations.

(With inputs from ANI)