📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bernard Gagnon
Politics
Mamata Banerjee skips ‘Bhai Phota’ event at Kalighat, BJP says she feared flop
✍️ www.thehawk.in
🗓 11 Nov 2026, 03:50 PM
👁 9
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not attend the ‘Bhai Phota’ program scheduled at Kalighat, Kolkata. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh alleged the skip was due to her concern that the event might flop.
Kolkata, West Bengal – On Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was expected to appear at a cultural programme titled “Bhai Phota” organized in the Kalighat area. The event, which was to be held at a local venue near the historic Kalighat temple, proceeded without her presence as she chose not to attend.
BJP spokesperson Dilip Ghosh publicly commented on the chief minister’s absence, suggesting that Banerjee avoided the programme because she feared it would not attract a large audience and could be perceived as a flop. Ghosh’s remarks were made during a press briefing, where he also criticized the ruling party’s cultural outreach.
No official statement was released by the West Bengal government or the chief minister’s office explaining the decision to skip the event. Organisers confirmed that the programme continued as planned, featuring local artists and community performances.
Political analysts noted that such cultural events often serve as platforms for leaders to connect with constituents, and the chief minister’s absence may be interpreted as a strategic move amid rising political competition in the state.
The incident adds to the ongoing narrative of rivalry between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal, with both sides closely watching each other's public engagements.
BJP spokesperson Dilip Ghosh publicly commented on the chief minister’s absence, suggesting that Banerjee avoided the programme because she feared it would not attract a large audience and could be perceived as a flop. Ghosh’s remarks were made during a press briefing, where he also criticized the ruling party’s cultural outreach.
No official statement was released by the West Bengal government or the chief minister’s office explaining the decision to skip the event. Organisers confirmed that the programme continued as planned, featuring local artists and community performances.
Political analysts noted that such cultural events often serve as platforms for leaders to connect with constituents, and the chief minister’s absence may be interpreted as a strategic move amid rising political competition in the state.
The incident adds to the ongoing narrative of rivalry between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal, with both sides closely watching each other's public engagements.