Mamata Banerjee's name plaque painted over at Kolkata's Nandan cultural hub
The incident occurred ahead of the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival, leading to a political exchange between the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
A plaque bearing the name of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was painted over at Nandan in Kolkata, according to the Deccan Herald. A separate plaque bearing the name of Jyoti Basu remained untouched.
The incident took place ahead of the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival, which is scheduled to be held from December 16 to 23 with Ireland as the focus country. Nandan is a state government-sponsored film and cultural centre.
The event has led to a political dispute between the BJP and the opposition party led by Mamata Banerjee. West Bengal government cultural advisor and veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty asked, "Does anyone want to see Mamata Banerjee's name anymore?"
All India Trinamool Congress spokesperson Upasana Chowdhury responded to the incident by alleging that an authoritarian government is in power in the state.
The controversy coincided with the unveiling of the film festival's new logo, designed by Sandip Ray. The new design includes the colour saffron alongside blue, white, and black.
Nandan's foundation stone was laid in 1980 by Jyoti Basu, and the complex was inaugurated in 1985 by Satyajit Ray. Several plaques with Mamata Banerjee's name were installed at various locations after 2011.