Game: Kolkata Maidan.

The tussle between the State Government and The Indian Army came to the forefront, in a city, whose nickname suggests the least tussle prone place. The City of Joy, Kolkata, having the Eastern Head Quarters of the Indian Army and also the capital of West Bengal, a state witnessed a never before seen, illogical "tussle" between the two authorities mentioned above. The platform for this headlock can be traced back to couple of weeks back.

February 9th:
The CPM rally with the well known tag line Brigade Chalo which in colloquial Bengali means Lets go to Brigade. Brigade Parade Ground is another official name of the Kolkata Maidan, which has an area of more that 5 sq Kilometers. Environmentally, this ground can be compared to the Oxygen Producing machine, which is primarily important for the ever growning Metropolis. CPM, prior to the Lok Sabha (The Indian House of Commons) elections, desired to demonstrate the power it still posses in West Bengal, albeit the recent rural election setbacks in the hands of the Opposition. The normal rule for such a mass congregation of followers, over lakhs set their foot in the heart of the city from all over the state, Maidan has always been the preferred arena. This applies to all political party. But in the largest democracy in the world, such a clash between the executive and the judiciary is least expected! But it happens only in Kolkata. ;-)

That day, the whole city stoodstill. The Metro Railway authorities counted over 45000 footfall in the first couple of hours of servicing, which is a record! (Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/cpm-cooks-up-traffic-stew-in-maidan/420999/)

It violated the judiciary rule of restricting any kind of mass meeting. If there is to be a meeting, then they will have to follow the environmental norms, which was flouted like the wooden fire that heated up the pot-rice on the grounds at severla places! The army, who is the custodian of the land, maintaing the beauty of the place, since the British Rule, were ignored in every aspect. Littered and torn papers, unwashed dishes with food parts left for the flies to hover around acted as the "soothing sight" of the grounds, which posses the World famous Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Fort William, Eden Gardens, 26 various atheletic clubs, including the national soccer clubs of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal and Mohameddan Sporting! But the political leaders wanted votes.

When their act was severely abominated by the citizens and the media, then the transport and sports minister of the state, Mr. Subhash Chakraborty sent in a request to the Ministry of Defence, Union Government for acquistion of the Maidan from the hands of the Army. The reason: WELL THEY CAN FEAST AROUND AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO THE ARMY FOR THEIR ACTION! That's my opinion, because the minister has had failed to cite any proper reason for such a whimsicle demand! The Army has had been doing their job perfectly, which the government, as doubted can do! I dont know what plans they have, for it is least expected from them, especially Mr. Chakraborty!

(Pic: Kolkata Maidan. Far off, Victoria Memorial Hall. 31/12/08. By- Somnath Paul.)