CPI(M) Faces Backlash for Inviting Bangladeshi Artist to Kolkata Cultural Event
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Kolkata, Jan 3 (NationPress) Controversies have erupted regarding the CPI(M)'s choice to feature a well-known Bangladeshi singer at a cultural gathering hosted by the Jyoti Basu Centre for Social Studies and Research in New Town, located on the northern outskirts of the state capital, later this month.
The pivotal central committee meeting of CPI(M) is slated to take place in New Town from January 17 to January 19 this year, with CPI(M)'s national politburo coordinator Prakash Karat in attendance.
During this event, the institute named after the esteemed Indian Marxist and former West Bengal Chief Minister, the late Jyoti Basu, is expected to host a cultural performance featuring renowned Bangladeshi singer and Rabindra Sangeet artist Rezwana Choudhury Bannya.
Former BJP national vice-president and ex-Lok Sabha member Dilip Ghosh criticized the CPI(M), stating that at a time when anti-India sentiments are being voiced in Bangladesh, inviting an artist from there is wholly inappropriate.
“My question is whether the Indian Communists could not find any talented artists within the country. Such a move was unnecessary,” Ghosh remarked.
Nonetheless, CPI(M) leadership has its rationale for inviting Bannya, who received the Padma Shri Award in April last year. “There is a concerted effort to create a religious divide in the country due to the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, which has historically maintained amicable relations with India. Our goal is to uphold that spirit of unity through cultural exchange,” stated a central committee member of CPI(M).
Recently, similar controversies arose when a group of citizens expressed their discontent regarding Bannya's scheduled participation in an annual cultural event organized by a municipality in West Bengal.
The Madhyamgram Municipality in the North 24 Parganas district had listed Bannya among the performers for its annual event, “Paribesh Mela,” which prominently features cultural performances. Each year, popular artists and bands from both India and Bangladesh are part of the event.
However, a civil society group known as “Madhyamgram Nagarikbrinda” raised objections to Bannya's involvement.
This group subsequently issued an appeal via social media, urging the Madhyamgram Municipality authorities to reconsider including the Bangladeshi singer in this year’s cultural festivities.
“This is a plea to Madhyamgram Municipality as Indian citizens regarding the planned musical participation of Rezwana Choudhury Bannya at the Paribesh Mela on December 28. We request that no Bangladeshi artist be permitted at this event. The country must come first. Please consider this,” the appeal stated.
