Ahead of 2024 elections Mamata Banerjee plays Bangla card, new guidelines issued for state anthem

West Bengal: As the crucial Lok Sabha elections approach, West Bengal Mamata Banerjee seems to have played Bangla card. The Mamata Banerjee administration has designated the Bengali New Year day as the state day in West Bengal. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s poetic tribute, "Banglar mati, Banglar jol, Banglar bayu, Banglar fol," has been declared the official state song.

“The state day shall be celebrated with respect and dignity by all the people of West Bengal every year,” read an official order from the government. 

State government releases guidelines for proper observance of the anthem 

Building upon this, the Government of West Bengal's Information and Cultural Affairs department, based in Nabanna, has now released guidelines on the proper observance of the state anthem. 

The guidelines state that the state song must be played with due respect at the beginning of all state government functions. Furthermore, it mandates the compulsory playing of the 'National Anthem' at the conclusion of such events.

The directive emphasizes that all dignitaries and attendees must stand in attention during the rendition of both the 'State Song' and the 'National Anthem.' 

Additionally, the mass singing of the state song and national anthem is encouraged to foster a sense of unity and patriotism among the participants.

This move is seen as a cultural initiative by the state government to instill a sense of pride and identity among the people of West Bengal, solidifying the significance of their cultural heritage.