Ritabrata advocates for Poila Baishakh as West Bengal Foundation Day in Rajya Sabha

• Trinamool MP Ritabrata Banerjee advocated in Rajya Sabha for Poila Baishakh to be recognized as West Bengal's 'Foundation Day'.
• The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution in 2023 to celebrate 1st Baishakh as the state's Foundation Day, led by Mamata Banerjee's government.
• The MP emphasized Bengal's rich culture, tradition, and historical significance, including being the origin of Asia's first college and university.
• Trinamool aims to use Poila Baishakh to awaken Bengali identity, culture, and history, contrasting with BJP's focus on Ram Navami.

Why It Matters: This reflects a political effort to define West Bengal's identity and counter BJP.