Is the Shift of IPL Final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad a Political Conspiracy?

Synopsis
The relocation of the IPL final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad has sparked claims of political conspiracy from West Bengal's Power and Sports Minister Arup Biswas. As various reasons are debated, tensions rise between the state and the BJP. This article dives into the implications of this controversial decision.
Key Takeaways
- The IPL final has been moved from Kolkata to Ahmedabad.
- Power and Sports Minister Arup Biswas claims this is a political conspiracy.
- Various reasons for the venue change have been offered by the BCCI and BJP officials.
- The decision has sparked significant backlash from West Bengal cricket fans.
- This incident reflects ongoing political tensions between state and national parties.
Kolkata, May 22 (NationPress) The move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to relocate the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) set for June 3 from Eden Gardens in Kolkata to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been labeled a conspiracy against the West Bengal government by Power and Sports Minister Arup Biswas.
Minister Biswas pointed out that various justifications are being presented for the venue change.
“While the BCCI suggests that the potential weather conditions in Kolkata on the day of the final match influenced their decision, a senior BJP leader has stated that security concerns were the reason. Which account is accurate?” Biswas questioned during a press interaction.
Earlier, Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal BJP chief and Union Minister, had claimed in a post on social media that security issues were behind the move, but he later removed the statement.
In the meantime, Biswas asserted that the decision to relocate the IPL final reflects the BJP’s narrow political maneuvers aimed at undermining Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
“This action is an affront to cricket enthusiasts in West Bengal,” the minister declared.
He further mentioned that until now, the Union government has been withholding central funds from West Bengal for various centrally-sponsored initiatives.
“Now they have also denied sports fans in West Bengal their due. I am curious when the BCCI became experts on weather conditions. The truth is that the BJP is envious of the Chief Minister and the development initiatives underway in West Bengal under her governance,” he explained.
Biswas concluded by stating that the Union government is determined to seize every opportunity to undermine the state administration.