Kolkata’s Damnatio memoriae moment (opens original article in a new tab)

After the BJP's 2026 victory in West Bengal, Kolkata removed symbols of the Trinamool Congress, including a Messi statue and a football sculpture, while initiating demolition drives against encroachments and hawkers' stalls.

• Kolkata removed a 70-foot Messi statue and other symbols of the Trinamool Congress after BJP's 2026 election win.
• The BJP government initiated removals of previous regime symbols, including a football-themed sculpture and the Biswa Bangla logo.
• Demolition drives targeted encroachments and hawkers' stalls, facing resistance from affected communities and unions.