Key Facts
On June 1, 2026, the 70-foot fibreglass-and-iron statue of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was removed from the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass in Kolkata. The statue, installed in September 2017 during Messi's 'GOAT India Tour', had become a landmark. Its removal came days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the West Bengal assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule.
Details of the Removal
The statue had been swaying in strong winds, prompting safety concerns. Newly elected BJP MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee, who defeated former minister Sujit Bose, had earlier stated, 'We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,' and planned to 'remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.' On the day of removal, winds gusted between 60 kmph and 80 kmph. Cranes lifted the structure onto a trailer, and it was transported to an undisclosed location by the State Public Works Department.
Political Context
The statue's removal was part of a broader effort to dismantle symbols associated with the previous Trinamool Congress government. Former Fire Minister Sujit Bose, who had installed the statue, was arrested on May 11 in a municipal recruitment scam. Other symbols removed include a football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, conceived by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the 'Biswa Bangla' logo designed by her. Banerjee expressed sadness, saying, 'I feel very bad. I made that logo with the help of an artist, but I drew it myself.'
Impact on Kolkata's Landscape
The change in government has led to a visible transformation of Kolkata's public spaces. Trinamool Congress's blue-and-white colour scheme is being replaced by saffron, the BJP's colour. Government buildings, including the West Bengal Assembly and Nabanna, have adopted saffron hues. Some former Trinamool party offices have been repainted saffron and now display BJP flags. Additionally, anti-encroachment drives have intensified, with bulldozers demolishing illegal structures and evicting hawkers from railway stations and other areas.
What Readers Should Know
- The Messi statue was one of several symbols removed after the BJP's victory in the 2026 West Bengal elections.
- The new government has announced plans to build a 125-foot statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and observe June 20 as 'Paschim Banga Dibas'.
- Eviction drives have faced resistance, with some cases stayed by the Calcutta High Court.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a ₹1 lakh crore investment for railway infrastructure.
FAQ
Why was the Messi statue in Kolkata removed?
The statue was removed by the new BJP government after the party won the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Officials cited safety concerns as the statue was swaying in strong winds, but the removal was also seen as part of a broader effort to erase symbols of the previous Trinamool Congress regime.
Who installed the Messi statue in Kolkata?
The statue was installed by former Trinamool Congress minister Sujit Bose, who was the patron of the Sreebhumi Sporting Club's Durga Puja. It was erected in September 2017 during Messi's 'GOAT India Tour'.
What other symbols of Trinamool rule were removed?
Besides the Messi statue, a football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium was removed on May 23. Hoardings of Mamata Banerjee disappeared overnight, and the 'Biswa Bangla' logo was replaced by the Ashoka Pillar on government websites and events.
What is the new BJP government planning to build?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on June 7 that a 125-foot statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee will be constructed to mark his 125th birth anniversary. The government also declared June 20 as 'Paschim Banga Dibas'.