Salt Lake Stadium’s Controversial Football Sculpture Removed After Years of Debate
Salt Lake Stadium’s Controversial Football Sculpture Removed After Years of Debate
Kolkata, May 23 : The football-themed sculpture outside Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium has finally been removed, ending years of public criticism and political controversy surrounding its unusual design.
Installed ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the structure featured a football placed beside two severed legs — a concept that many football fans and visitors found disturbing rather than celebratory. Despite being promoted as a tribute to West Bengal’s football legacy, the artwork continued to trigger sharp reactions online and offline over the years.
Reports claimed the sculpture’s design was personally conceptualised by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, critics repeatedly questioned whether such a design was suitable for one of India’s most prominent sporting venues.
The removal gained fresh political attention after remarks by BJP minister Nisith Pramanik on the issue. BJP leader Keya Ghosh later said the decision marked the fulfilment of a long-pending commitment.
The development has reignited political chatter in West Bengal, with supporters welcoming the move while others continue debating the controversy surrounding the artwork and its symbolism.
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata football sculpture, Mamata Banerjee, FIFA U-17 World Cup, West Bengal politics, football controversy
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