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Modi, Shah Extend Poila Boishakh Greetings; Mamata Hits Back at "Delhi Zamindars"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed greetings for the Bengali New Year, Poila Boishakh, through social media posts in both Bengali and English. Modi's message focused on cultural harmony and wished for happiness, deliberately avoiding political references. In contrast, Shah's greeting included a subtle political wish for West Bengal to enter a new era of development and good governance as the state approaches assembly polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her own message, retorted by accusing "malevolent forces" and "Delhi's zamindars" of trying to tarnish Bengal and usurp voting rights.

Key Points: Modi, Shah's Bengal New Year Greetings Amid Poll Season

  • Greetings extended in Bengali and English
  • Modi's message avoided politics
  • Shah's wish for "new era" ahead of polls
  • Mamata's retort targets "Delhi zamindars"
2 min read

PM Modi and HM Shah convey greetings in Bengali on Bengal New Year Day (Ld)

PM Modi and HM Amit Shah wish Bengal on Poila Boishakh. While Modi focused on culture, Shah hinted at governance. CM Mamata Banerjee retorts.

"Some malevolent forces are leaving no stone unturned to tarnish this Bengal. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, April 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday conveyed greetings on the occasion of Bengal New Year's Day, Poila Boishakh, posting messages in both Bengali and English.

Both leaders shared their greetings on their official social media handles with the same messages in English and Bengali.

In his message, the Prime Minister avoided any political reference and focused on cultural and social harmony.

"I pray that the coming year marks the fulfilment of all of your wishes. May the spirit of happiness and brotherhood always prevail? Wishing you good health and lots of happiness, and brotherhood always prevails. Wishing you good health and lots of happiness. This is also an occasion to celebrate the timeless richness of West Bengal's culture that has shaped India's civilisation spirit," read the Prime Minister's message.

However, the Union Home Minister had given an extremely subtle political message ahead of the crucial two-phase assembly polls in the state later this month as he said that his wish is that in the Bengali New Year, West Bengal enters a new era of development, good governance, and welfare.

"Heartfelt best wishes to our sisters and brothers of West Bengal on the occasion of Poila Boishakh. May West Bengal, a land endowed with a rich cultural heritage and literary excellence, and blessed with the sacred history of revolutionaries of the freedom struggle, enter a new era of development, good governance, and welfare in the new year. Wish the people of the state a bright and prosperous future," HM Shah's message read.

However, neither the Prime Minister nor the Union Home Minister resorted to any kind of direct or indirect political attack against the BJP's principal opponent in West Bengal -- Trinamool Congress and the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which the latter exactly did in her Bengali New Year Greetings message, though without directly naming the BJP or the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister.

"Just as our Bengal is the cradle of art and culture, so too is it the cradle of harmony among all religions. Some malevolent forces are leaving no stone unturned to tarnish this Bengal. Delhi's zamindars are usurping people's voting rights. Remember, we must give them a democratic answer," read the Chief Minister's message.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Respectfully, while the greetings are welcome, the timing is everything. Elections are around the corner. It's hard not to see the political undertones, especially in HM Shah's message about "new era of governance." The cultural sentiment feels secondary.
S
Sneha F
Didi's response was so aggressive! Why bring "zamindars" and voting rights into a New Year wish? The central leaders showed restraint. Bengal needs positivity, not more political venom.
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Aryan P
As a Bengali living outside the state, seeing the PM's message in Bangla made me feel seen. It's a small but significant acknowledgment of our culture on a national platform.
K
Kavitha C
The contrast is stark. One side talks of brotherhood and culture, the other of conflict. Whichever party you support, can we not have one day free from this mudslinging? Shubho Noboborsho to all.
D
David E
Observing from outside, it's fascinating how a cultural greeting becomes a political battlefield. The article reads like a chess match played with holiday messages. Hope the people of Bengal have a peaceful celebration despite the noise.

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

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