Twin events in Kolkata! PM Modi likely to attend Bengal Day and Yoga Day programs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit West Bengal on June 20 to participate in programmes marking West Bengal Day and may remain in Kolkata for the International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21. Sources indicate that the newly formed state government plans to officially observe June 20 as West Bengal Day, with the Prime Minister expected to attend the state-level event.

According to sources, the main International Day of Yoga programme is expected to be held in Kolkata on June 21. The event may take place at Red Road or another large venue in the city. Preparatory work has reportedly begun, and officials expect participation from large numbers of students, yoga practitioners and members of the public. Security arrangements are also expected to be put in place if the Prime Minister attends the programme.

Sources suggest that Modi may arrive in Kolkata on June 20 and take part in the official West Bengal Day celebrations before attending the Yoga Day event the following day. The visit would mark another trip to the state following the recent political change in West Bengal and his attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

There is also discussion in political and administrative circles about the possibility of the Prime Minister addressing a public gathering in Singur during the visit. No official announcement has been made regarding such a programme. Speculation continues over whether any major industrial initiative for West Bengal could be discussed or announced during the proposed visit.

The observance of June 20 as West Bengal Day has remained a subject of political disagreement for several years. The date is associated with the June 20, 1947 vote in the legislature of undivided Bengal that supported partition of the province, leading to the formation of present-day West Bengal within India. While the Bharatiya Janata Party has supported recognition of June 20 as the state’s foundation day, the previous state government had declared April 14, coinciding with Poila Boishakh, as West Bengal Day.