PM in Tarakeswar on June 20 for 1st Bengal trip since BJP victory
Times of India | 16 June 2026
Tarakeshwar: PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tarakeswar on June 20 to attend the West Bengal Foundation Day celebrations, offer puja at the temple and address a public rally, in what will be his first visit to the state after the BJP govt was sworn in last month.
The choice of Tarakeswar for the PM's visit carries deep historical significance.
In the final phase of British rule, with the future of undivided Bengal uncertain amid impending Partition, a resolution was passed in the Bengal assembly on June 20, 1947, that West Bengal would remain a part of independent India. The historic resolution was preceded by a three-day meeting of the Bangiya Hindu Mahasabha at Tarakeswar, led by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, where the proposal was adopted.
The meeting, held from April 4 to April 7 near Tarakeswar school, is remembered as a turning point in the political mobilisation that led to West Bengal staying in India and BJP netas have credited Mookerjee for playing a decisive role in resisting efforts that could have resulted in the whole of Bengal joining Pakistan.
BJP netas said Modi's visit to Tarakeswar on June 20 is aimed at recalling the historic decision and paying tribute to Mookerjee.
Pursurah MLA Biman Ghosh and Tarakeswar MLA Santu Pan said the PM and CM Suvendu Adhikari have planned several development initiatives for Tarakeswar, including improvements in railway connectivity, introduction of express train services, development of hospital infrastructure and other projects for the area.
Meanwhile, a state BJP senior said the Foundation Day programmes would be organised not merely as political events, but as commemorations of Bengal's cultural and nationalist legacy. The neta said the party will pay respect to all freedom fighters from the state and highlight sacrifices of those who helped ensure that West Bengal remained a part of India.