Friday, May 23 2025 | Time 15:28 Hrs(IST)
States » EastPosted at: May 22 2025 9:34PM


Bengal sports minister slams decision to move matches from Eden Gardens

Kolkata, May 22 (UNI): The decision to relocate the second IPL qualifier and final from Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium has sparked a political controversy with West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas accusing the Centre and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of playing politics against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Biswas said the decision has depriving sports enthusiasts in Bengal of witnessing the marquee matches.

Addressing a media meet, Biswas alleged that the decision was "politically motivated", targeting Banerjee's government.

Biswas alleged that this “discrimination” is a broader pattern of neglect by the central government. “Be it the 100-day work scheme, the housing scheme, or infrastructure projects, Bengal has consistently been denied its rightful dues. Over Rs 1.87 lakh crore remains unpaid. Now even cricket fans are not spared,” he alleged.

Interestingly enough, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar claimed on social media that the decision to shift the venue from Kolkata was because of the law-and-order situation in the state.

The state’s sports minister, alongside the commissioner of Kolkata police Monoj Verma refuted the allegation. “They are targeting Mamata Banerjee, but in doing so, they have unfairly denied Bengal’s sports lovers the chance to watch the IPL playoffs and final. Sukanta Majumdar is lying; the BCCI has clearly stated that the match was moved due to weather, not security,” he said.

Addressing the issue of security, Biswas dismissed any concerns by citing the smooth conduct of seven IPL matches during the league stage at Eden Gardens. “Each game saw around 60,000-65,000 spectators without any untoward incident,” he said.

Adding fuel to the fire, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh raised questions about a now-deleted social media post by Majumdar that allegedly linked former cricketer Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Ghosh asked why the post was removed and demanded transparency. UNI XC SSP
Tags: #Bengal sports minister slams decision to move matches from Eden Gardens
More News
Elephant corridor along NH8 in Tripura is coming up by winter

Elephant corridor along NH8 in Tripura is coming up by winter

23 May 2025 | 1:29 PM

Agartala, May 23 (UNI) The Tripura government has decided to build a dedicated safe corridor for wild elephants along National Highway 8 at Teliamura in Khowai district to ensure safe housing of jumbos in Atharamura hill range up to Baramura, which is expected to be completed by next winter.

see more..
TMC members visiting forward areas express their solidarity with victims of Pak shelling

TMC members visiting forward areas express their solidarity with victims of Pak shelling

23 May 2025 | 12:49 PM

Kolkata, May 23 (UNI) A five-member TMC delegation visiting Jammu and Kashmir forward areas on Friday met the affected families in Pooch and offered their heartfelt condolences. They assured the families of their support after brutal shelling by Pakistani troops.

see more..
One killed, two injured in wild boar attack in Odisha

One killed, two injured in wild boar attack in Odisha

23 May 2025 | 12:40 PM

Kendrapara, May 22 (UNI) In a case of human-wildlife conflict, one person was killed and two others, including a woman, were critically injured following a wild boar attack in the Mahakalapada Forest Range of Odisha's Kendrapara district.

see more..
Assam urges people in landslide-prone areas to shift to safe places

Assam urges people in landslide-prone areas to shift to safe places

23 May 2025 | 12:33 PM

Guwahati, May 23 (UNI) The State Disaster Management Authority of Assam (ASDMA) has asked people living in landslide-prone areas to shift to safer places of their choice for the rainy season.

see more..
Odisha govt forms panel to address issues in Kotia group of villages

Odisha govt forms panel to address issues in Kotia group of villages

23 May 2025 | 12:02 PM

Bhubaneswar, May 23 (UNI) The Odisha government has decided to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari to address the issues concerning the Kotia group of villages in Koraput district.

see more..