KKR felicitation a mix of politics, sports and entertainment

KKR felicitation a mix of politics, sports and entertainment
Friday, June 01, 2012 18:45 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
It is time for out-of-the-box thinking, and in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal it is about mixing politics, sports and entertainment.

All the three elements were at play May 29 during the victory parade and felicitation of the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team after it won the Indian Premier League title for the first time.

Coincidentally, the team's co-owner Shah Rukh Khan also happens to be the state's brand ambassador.

The rousing reception given to cricket team by the Banerjee-led state government at the Eden Gardens stadium a day after it beat Chennai Super Kings in the IPL final saw a star-studded gathering, which included Bengali film stars and popular singers.

Nearly 150,000 people cheered the team on the Kolkata's roads and at the stadium. The celebrations brought the city to a standstill - and drew criticism too.

The opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said that Banerjee's Trinamool Congress was carrying out a political campaign in the name of felicitating the cricket team.

The Congress party, which is a part of the state government, asked why such a huge reception was given to a private corporate team when the state was undergoing a financial crisis.

Entrepreneurs and economists termed the function a colossal loss of man-hours and productivity as office-goers either took time off to celebrate or could not go to work because of road restrictions and traffic snarls.

But for Banerjee, the team's win could not have come at a more opportune time.

Her party, which came to power after ousting the CPI-M-led Left Front last May, has been celebrating a year in power and her ministers lost no time in tom-tomming the team's success as an example of the 'poriborton' (change) ushered in by the new government.

It was a double delight for Banerjee who had recently appointed Shah Rukh as the brand ambassador of West Bengal.

She also wanted to be a part of the celebrations, as part of her party's strategy to use every opportunity to touch people's heart.

So, the mix of politics and sports and entertainment in the function was hard to miss.



The six-km roadshow, in which the champion cricket players received adulation from at least 50,000 fans who lined the streets of south and central Kolkata, was impressive.

The parade started from Hazra Crossing near the chief minister's Harish Chatterjee Street residence, and covered her Bhowanipore assembly constituency before it ended near the historic Victoria Memorial.

Hazra Crossing, where Banerjee was brutally beaten up during the Left Front government many years ago, occupies a special position in her political career.

Even the recent rally she led protesting the steep petrol price hike had ended at Hazra.

And for the stadium function too, the chief minister ushered in some 'poriborton'.

Instead of inviting intellectuals to the the Eden Gardens, she called filmstars and popular Bangla bands and singers.

While bands such as Dohar, Chandrabindu and Bhoomi belted out popular songs, entertaining the 70,000-odd gathering, actors Jeet, Dev and Soham danced with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh and Banerjee hogged the limelight, and later, the chief minister criticised those who had criticised the ceremony.
Death Threats to Shah Rukh Khan: Lawyer Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extortion Attempt!

In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Mohammad Faizan Khan has been arrested for issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accused, a lawyer by

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday's Coffee Banter Steals the Show; Frenemies Turn Friendly Over French Coffee!

In the latest promo of Bigg Boss 18, contestants Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday, known for their heated arguments and on-screen rivalry, showcased a lighter side of their relationship

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Varun Dhawan Praises Pooja Hegde's Stunning Look; Sparks Excitement for Upcoming Film!

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently showered praise on actress Pooja Hegde, who made heads turn with her stylish and edgy outfit in her latest Instagram photoshoot. Pooja shared a

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Half Love Half Arranged S2 Trailer Unveiled!

Get ready for an exciting and drama-filled journey as Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, and Dice Media's much-loved rom-com series Half Love Half

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Model Sifat Sehgal opens up about her battle with Anorexia!

In a candid and courageous revelation, model and reality TV star Sifat Sehgal has opened up about her harrowing journey with anorexia and her recovery, offering an unfiltered

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT