Kolkata’s Damnatio memoriae moment
Removal of symbols associated with a previous government raises concerns about political vendetta.
In the wake of the BJP's victory in West Bengal, statues and symbols associated with the previous Trinamool Congress government have been removed. This includes a 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi, a giant football-themed sculpture by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Biswa Bangla logo. The removal has led to public outcry, with some residents fearing that their livelihoods are being threatened. The BJP government has also initiated anti-encroachment drives at railway stations and other public spaces, leading to evictions of hawkers and settlers. These actions have been met with resistance from opposition parties, who argue that the BJP's approach is driven by corporate interests and aesthetics rather than genuine progress.
21 JUN 2026
— Indian Express
Kolkata's new BJP government is repeating a history of failed eviction attempts for hawkers, mirroring past failures and highlighting the ongoing tension between urban order and informal labor.
22 JUN 2026
— NDTV
West Bengal's first BJP government presented a budget focused on job creation, welfare programs, and industrial revival.
— The Hindu
Industry leaders in West Bengal praised the BJP government's first budget for its focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, and regional connectivity.
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