Bengal to observe 'Ayushman Divas' on Aug 16, replacing TMC's 'Khela Hobey Divas': CM
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state will observe 'Ayushman Divas' on August 16, replacing the previous government's 'Khela Hobey Divas'. The move marks a shift in political symbolism and commemorates the state government's 100-day milestone.
Why it matters
It illustrates the use of commemorative days as political tools to redefine state identity and distance a new administration from its predecessor.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that his government will observe August 16 as 'Ayushman Divas' to commemorate the Central Government's public health insurance scheme, breaking tradition with the erstwhile TMC government's ' Khela Hobey Divas'.
The day will also mark the completion of 100 days of the CM Adhikari-led BJP Government in the State, which displaced Mamata Banerjee's TMC dispensation after registering a triumphant victory in the Assembly polls.
"August 16 is a black day in Kolkata's history since the 'Great Calcutta killings' were orchestrated under the leadership of Suhrawardy from this date. The previous TMC government observed it as ' Khela Hobey Divas'. Our government has decided that the day will be observed as Ayushman Divas. The details of our programme will soon follow," CM Adhikari told reporters after a BJP special organisational meeting in Tamluk in Purba Medinipur district.
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