West Bengal passes resolution to rename state as Bangla

West Bengal is a step closer to becoming "Bangla", with all parties in the state approving the name-change in the assembly yesterday. The new name needs the centre's clearance, reports NDTV. It will be "Bangla" in all languages, according to a leader of the state's ruling Trinamool Congress. On this at least, the ruling party concurs with its rival Left, which had suggested the name in 1999.

Two years ago, a similar move had been stalled after the Mamata Banerjee government cleared a new name with three versions -- Bangla in Bengali, Bangaal in Hindi and Bengal in English. The centre suggested one uniform name.

Mamata Banerjee has been angling for a new name for her state for some time now. One of her reasons is that West Bengal comes last in state lists, which means the Chief Minister gets to speak last in meetings, or often not at all.

Speaking in the state assembly today, she said that the name 'Bangla' was chosen as "it is the identity of Bengal".  "We cannot say Bangal because it will be a problem for non-Hindi speaking people,"

"So many states have changed their names. There was talk about renaming the state during the Left Front rule. We too had taken a decision earlier. I do not want to go into any controversy. Rather, I would say that let us pass the resolution unanimously and send it to the Centre for its approval," Mr Banerjee said.

It may mean a bump up for the chief minister but the name "Bangla" also has a downside.

 

West Bengal passes resolution to rename state as Bangla

West Bengal is a step closer to becoming Bangla, with all parties in the state approving the name-change in the assembly yesterday. The new name needs the centres clearance, reports NDTV. It will be Bangla in all languages, according to a leader of the states ruling Trinamool Congress. On this at least, the ruling party concurs with its rival Left, which had suggested the name in 1999. Two years ago, a similar move had been stalled after the Mamata Banerjee government cleared a new name with three versions -- Bangla in Bengali, Bangaal in Hindi and Bengal in English. The centre suggested one uniform name. Mamata Banerjee has been angling for a new name for her state for some time now. One of her reasons is that West Bengal comes last in state lists, which means the Chief Minister gets to speak last in meetings, or often not at all. Speaking in the state assembly today, she said that the name Bangla was chosen as it is the identity of Bengal. We cannot say Bangal because it will be a problem for non-Hindi speaking people, So many states have changed their names. There was talk about renaming the state during the Left Front rule. We too had taken a decision earlier. I do not want to go into any controversy. Rather, I would say that let us pass the resolution unanimously and send it to the Centre for its approval, Mr Banerjee said. It may mean a bump up for the chief minister but the name Bangla also has a downside.