NewKerala.com

Key Points

The shifting of the IPL final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad has ignited a fierce political battle between West Bengal's ruling party and the BJP. Power and Sports Minister Arup Biswas has accused the BCCI of executing a politically motivated venue change targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The minister argues that the move is part of a broader strategy to undermine West Bengal's government and its achievements. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between state and central political leadership, with cricket becoming an unexpected battleground for political messaging.

Key Points: IPL Final Shift Sparks Mamata Vs Modi Political Cricket Clash

  • BCCI shifts IPL final citing weather concerns, sparking political controversy
  • Bengal minister claims BJP-driven venue change
  • Sukanta Majumdar's security claim raises questions
  • Mamata government sees deliberate political marginalization
2 min read

Shifting IPL final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad a political conspiracy: Bengal Minister

Bengal Minister Arup Biswas alleges political conspiracy behind moving IPL final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad, targeting Mamata Banerjee's government

"This move is an insult to the West Bengal cricket lovers - Arup Biswas, Power and Sports Minister"

Kolkata, May 22

The decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to shift the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on June 3 from Eden Gardens in Kolkata to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is a conspiracy against the West Bengal government, the Power and Sports Minister Arup Biswas said on Thursday.

He said that different reasons are being floated for the decision to change the venue of the IPL final. “The BCCI is claiming that the likely weather condition in Kolkata on the day of the final match was the reason behind the decision. On the other hand, a senior BJP leader claimed that the venue was shifted due to security reasons. Who is correct?” Biswas said while speaking to the media persons.

West Bengal BJP chief and the Union Minister, Sukanta Majumdar, had earlier claimed in an X post that security reasons prompted the change in the venue of the IPL final. However, Majumdar deleted the post.

Meanwhile, Biswas claimed that the decision to change the venue of the IPL final is a result of the BJP’s narrow political strategies against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “This move is an insult to the West Bengal cricket lovers,” said the minister.

He said that till now, the Union government had been depriving the West Bengal government of central funds under different centrally-sponsored projects. “Now they have deprived the sports lovers of West Bengal as well. I do not know when BCCI became a weather expert. In reality, the BJP is jealous of the Chief Minister and the development activities going on in West Bengal under her leadership,” he said.

Biswas said that the Union government does not want to miss a single opportunity to heckle the state government.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Why is everything being politicized? As a cricket fan, I just want to watch a good match regardless of the venue. Eden Gardens is iconic but Ahmedabad's stadium is world-class too. Let's not drag sports into political mudslinging. 🙏
P
Priya M.
The weather argument seems fishy - Kolkata has hosted matches in May before. But the minister's claim about 'conspiracy' also sounds exaggerated. BCCI should give a proper explanation instead of leaving room for speculation. Transparency is needed!
A
Amit K.
As a Bengali, I feel disappointed. Eden Gardens has such history and passion! But the minister's comments about BJP being 'jealous' sounds like typical political blame game. Can't we have one thing that's not about parties? 😔
S
Sunita R.
The BJP leader deleting his tweet about security concerns says it all. If there were genuine security issues, stand by your statement. This back-and-forth makes both sides look bad. Cricket administration should be above politics!
V
Vikram S.
Honestly, the Narendra Modi Stadium has better facilities and capacity. Maybe BCCI wants a grand finale with more spectators? Not everything has to be political. Sometimes practical decisions are made for better fan experience.
N
Neha T.
Both sides are playing politics with cricket. TMC making it about Mamata didi, BJP giving vague reasons. Meanwhile, ordinary cricket lovers in Kolkata who bought tickets are suffering. Shameful behavior from all involved. 😤

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50