Now Reading: BJP workers repaint Kolkata art academy ticket counter saffron
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BJP workers repaint Kolkata art academy ticket counter saffron
BJP workers repainted the ticket counter of Kolkata's Academy of Fine Arts saffron on Wednesday, a day after theatre personalities painted it white. The counter had originally been coloured saffron on July…
The Story in Brief
BJP workers repainted the ticket counter of Kolkata's Academy of Fine Arts saffron on Wednesday, a day after theatre personalities painted it white. The counter had originally been coloured saffron on July 12 by Hindutva group members, drawing protests from cultural activists.
State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya had publicly disapproved of the July 12 painting and promised action, but the colour remained unchanged for weeks. On Tuesday, activists led by a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member repainted the counter white. BJP legislator Rudranil Ghosh then led the latest saffron repainting, accusing the CPI(M) of trying to control the heritage institution.
The Indian Opinion
This colour war at a 90-year-old cultural landmark is a symptom of West Bengal's deepening political polarisation, but both sides are using the academy as a prop. The BJP's promise to depoliticise institutions rings hollow when its own workers repaint without permission, while the Left's sudden concern for heritage looks opportunistic after years of alleged neglect. The real test will be whether the trustee board can restore the original terracotta colour and keep the gates open to all artists, not just party loyalists.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
