A football-themed sculpture conceptualized by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has been demolished, triggering a political row. The sculpture, which was installed in 2022, was removed on Tuesday night, according to officials.
Details of the Demolition
The sculpture, depicting a football with intricate designs, was a prominent feature at the stadium complex. It was conceptualized by Banerjee herself as a tribute to the city's rich football heritage. However, the structure was demolished by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) citing structural concerns and safety issues.
KMC officials stated that the sculpture had developed cracks and posed a risk to visitors, especially during the monsoon season. A senior official said, "The structure was inspected recently, and it was found to be unstable. Hence, we decided to demolish it to prevent any untoward incident."
Political Reactions
The demolition has drawn sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which accused the opposition of influencing the decision. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "This is a deliberate attempt to disrespect the chief minister's vision. The sculpture was a symbol of Bengal's football culture, and its removal is a political vendetta."
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step for public safety. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, "The government should prioritize safety over political symbolism. The structure was unsafe, and its removal was the right decision."
Background of the Sculpture
The football sculpture was inaugurated in 2022 as part of the beautification project of the Salt Lake Stadium, one of the largest football stadiums in the world. It was designed to celebrate Kolkata's football legacy, with the city being home to iconic clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. The sculpture quickly became a popular photo spot for visitors.
However, over time, the structure showed signs of wear and tear. Experts had earlier warned about its deteriorating condition, but no action was taken until now.
Future Plans
The KMC has announced plans to replace the sculpture with a more durable and safer structure. A new design will be conceptualized, possibly involving local artists, to ensure it withstands weather conditions. The new sculpture is expected to be installed within six months.
Meanwhile, the political slugfest continues, with both parties using the incident to score points ahead of the upcoming civic polls. The TMC has vowed to raise the issue in the assembly, while the BJP has called for a thorough probe into the maintenance of public structures.
