West Bengal may be renamed ‘Paschim Bang’

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has claimed that the state government may soon introduce a Bill in the Assembly to rename West Bengal as ‘Paschim Bang’.
Speaking at a press conference in Cooch Behar, Bhattacharya said the proposed name is intended to reflect Bengal’s historical identity. He indicated that the Bill could be introduced during the ongoing Assembly session.

His remarks came while discussing the proposed ‘Paschim Bang Bhavan’ in Varanasi, which is being planned by the state’s Culture and Tourism Department in coordination with the Centre and descendants of the Cooch Behar royal family.
Bhattacharya said the facility would serve as a cultural centre and provide accommodation for tourists and pilgrims from Bengal visiting Varanasi. He highlighted the long-standing cultural and spiritual ties between Bengal and Varanasi, noting the presence of a significant Bengali community and institutions in the city.

He also pointed out that the Cooch Behar royal family laid the foundation of the Banaras Kalibari in 1836, with two temples constructed there about a decade later.