Jaipur: A political divide surfaced over the observance of Rajasthan Foundation Day as Congress celebrated the occasion on March 30, while the BJP-led state govt, which has shifted the official date to March 19 based on the Hindu calendar, and BJP functionaries remained largely silent on social media on Monday.The BJP govt in Rajasthan had moved Rajasthan Day to March 19 this year, aligning it with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, which it said was the day of the state’s formation as per the Hindu calendar. Traditionally, however, Rajasthan Day has been observed on March 30, the date of the state’s formation according to the Gregorian calendar.Senior Congress leaders extended greetings to people of the state. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said on his X handle, “Heartfelt congratulations to all the residents of the state on the foundation day of the brave land, Rajasthan. Rajasthan, enriched with diverse art, rich culture, and glorious history, is an invaluable heritage of India. The traditions and legacy of this land are our pride.” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted citizens, along with former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, and other state party leaders. In contrast, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and BJP leaders did not post any such messages on social media.Responding to questions about the Congress observing the day on March 30, Gehlot defended the practice, stating that foundation days across India are typically celebrated on the date of a state’s formation as per the Gregorian calendar. “In every state across the country, it is celebrated on the same day the state was formed. The PM (Narendra Modi) himself tweets about it. Today, I don’t know whether he did it or not,” Gehlot said.
