Political Storm Erupts After Biswa Bangla Logo Taken Down in Kolkata

The removal of the “Biswa Bangla” logo from outside the famous Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake has sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong disappointment over the decision, saying the logo was not just a design but an emotional symbol connected to the people of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee claimed that she personally helped create the “Biswa Bangla” logo along with an artist. According to her, the logo had become an important cultural identity for the state. She said visitors, sports fans, and tourists regularly clicked photographs near the structure, making it a recognizable landmark in Kolkata. Speaking emotionally about the removal, she stated, “I designed it, and they broke it,” adding that the decision deeply hurt her sentiments. The Chief Minister also highlighted that officials from FIFA had praised the stadium’s presentation and branding during the FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup hosted in India. She claimed the logo received international appreciation and helped showcase Bengal’s image on a global platform. The controversy quickly turned political as leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to erase the achievements and identity associated with the Mamata Banerjee government. TMC leaders described the removal as an act of political revenge and alleged that it was aimed at weakening Bengali cultural symbols connected with the state administration. On the other hand, administrative officials defended the move, saying it was part of a broader beautification and renovation plan around the stadium complex. According to sources, symbols and promotional structures linked to previous governments are being removed from government properties and replaced with new themes focused on sports development and national identity. The issue gained even more attention as the BJP recently secured a major political victory in the Falta Assembly seat. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda reportedly won by a margin of more than one lakh votes in an area considered a traditional Trinamool Congress stronghold and politically linked to Abhishek Banerjee. Political analysts believe this victory reflects changing political dynamics in West Bengal and has intensified the ongoing rivalry between the BJP and the ruling TMC government.