New West Bengal tourism logo, tagline draw sharp criticism online

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday unveiled a new state tourism logo and tagline, alongside a ₹500-crore allocation for the sector this fiscal year. The event, held at the Dhono Dhanyo auditorium in Kolkata, also introduced the tourism department's new theme: "Dekhbo Natun Rupe, Dekhbo Natun Chokhe" (See in a new light, see with a new vision).

The new logo carries the tagline "West Bengal – Where India feels different," replacing the previous "Experience Bengal - The Sweetest Part of India" used during the Trinamool Congress regime.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Adhikari said the funds would be directed toward improving tourism infrastructure, revamping government-run guesthouses, and enhancing transport connectivity. He announced plans to procure 11 new boats for water tourism routes from Babughat on the Ganges to Gangasagar and nearby islands. The government also intends to plant 20 lakh mangrove saplings in the Sundarbans.

"At one point West Bengal used to be a preferred travel destination. But during the last 15 years, here, we have destroyed our nature and tourism infrastructure," the Chief Minister said, adding that the state would collaborate with the Centre to develop the sector.

The branding, however, drew immediate criticism on social media. Many users called the work "immature," while others questioned why the promotional video featured scenes from foreign locations such as Moscow, Egypt, and Rio de Janeiro instead of West Bengal landmarks.

Former Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy described the video as "very stupid and amateurish," asking why foreign imagery was used in a state promotion. He also questioned the tagline's reference to India, suggesting it detracted from showcasing West Bengal specifically, and called for the video to be taken down.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien also weighed in, writing that "TRASH is a mild word for this communication."