Adani Group’s Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani, the chairperson and managing director of Reliance Industries, to become Asia’s richest person, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index showed on Thursday. The index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest persons
Apple builds on green commitments with recycled materials rising to 30% across productsApple’s goal to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2030 appears to be on track, with its latest data pointing to big progress in its sustainability efforts. Updated on: Apr 17
JEE Mains Result 2026: Session 2 results releasing next week at jeemain.nta.nic.in, here's how to checkJEE Mains Result 2026 for Session 2 will be released next week. The steps to check results is given here. Updated on: Apr 17, 2026 3:51 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to amend the women’s reservation law after a division of votes, with 251 members supporting the move and 185 opposing it. The Bill, which seeks to operationalise women’s reservation before the 2029 general
For anyone who has experienced the chaos of a British festival campsite, videos coming from Coachella could certainly raise eyebrows. Some of those attending the much talked about festival, which takes place over two weekends each year in Palm Springs, California
Brigade Ground Turns Saffron: One-Day Optics Or Sign Of Changing Political Perception In Bengal?
Brigade Ground Turns Saffron: One-Day Optics Or Sign Of Changing Political Perception In Bengal?
On Sunday, December 7, Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground underwent a striking transformation as the venue turned saffron during a mass Gita recitation. Organisers estimated a turnout of nearly five lakh participants, including sadhus, sanyasis and Sanatani followers. The Brigade, long known during the Left era as the “Red Brigade", assumed an entirely different character for a day, prompting questions in political circles about whether this was an isolated event or an indicator of shifting public perception in West Bengal.
To examine this, it is essential to revisit the history and political relevance of the Brigade Parade Ground. Located against the backdrop of the Victoria Memorial and functioning for decades as Kolkata's premier site for mass gatherings, the ground has hosted events ranging from public receptions for Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin to major political rallies addressed by Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the formation of Bangladesh.
From the late 1980s, the Brigade became synonymous with the CPI(M)'s annual mass rallies, leading to the colloquial term “Red Brigade". After the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, the party chose not to position the Brigade as its main platform, instead treating the 21 July Martyrs' Day rally in Dharmatala as its principal show of strength.
The Gita recitation programme entered its third edition this year, but the 2025 event saw significantly larger mobilisation, with many sadhus, sanyasis and several BJP leaders in attendance. The programme was held just a day after the foundation-laying ceremony for a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad by Humayun Kabir, prompting comparisons about whether competitive polarisation is intensifying in Bengal.
Several analysts argue that political polarisation in the state has already become visible and could be a key factor in the upcoming elections. They point to chief minister Mamata Banerjee's emphasis on religious projects, such as the Jagannath Temple in Digha and the proposed Durgangan corridor, as an attempt to counter the BJP's allegation that the TMC prioritises minority appeasement. The BJP, for its part, has been increasingly engaging in Sanatani outreach, and various organisations have been conducting similar programmes.
On the ground, the Sanatan Sanskrit Sansad succeeded in drawing a very large crowd. Some experts believe this reflects a shift in perception among sections of Hindu voters, shaped by recent developments in Bangladesh and evolving demographic patterns in West Bengal. Whether this could translate into electoral benefits for the BJP remains uncertain.
Political analyst and professor Biswanath Chakraborty told News18: “There were fewer political workers in Sunday's Gita recitation. The participants were not all BJP; many were from the RSS. The BJP's support was clear, but that does not mean these attendees will all vote for the party. If that were the case, they would not have invited Mamata Banerjee. This is part of a long-term RSS campaign. After the Left's decline, this space became vacant, and right-wing mobilisation is now occupying it. The saffron Brigade reflects a sense of larger Hindu unity. Bengal was traditionally left-liberal, so the question is whether this represents a shift from that perception."
Another political analyst, Dr Sambit Pal, said: “The shift began around 2016-17 with the rise of aggressive Hindutva politics. The vacuum created by the Left, along with competitive identity politics by both the TMC and BJP, is activating underlying communal sentiments shaped by the history of Partition. That is why we saw what unfolded last weekend—between the Babri Masjid construction-related events and the Gita chanting."
Within the TMC, the event is being interpreted as a political mobilisation attempt. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: “We respect the Gita. It is close to our hearts. But this recitation has been turned into a political event. Because they cannot draw crowds on their own, they are using the Gita."
CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim told News18: “Political parties are taking refuge in religion because they cannot mobilise people on social, economic or political issues. This is an experiment. What happened in North India is now being attempted in Bengal. They failed earlier and will likely face the same outcome. Bengal's values are different. In all this, bread-and-butter issues are being sidelined."
The BJP, however, views the turnout as evidence of a significant shift in public sentiment. BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote on X: “Kolkata witnessed a historic spectacle—a colossal Gita recitation voiced by over 6.5 lakh devotees. The Brigade Ground, often a stage for political displays, was transformed into a massive gathering rooted in faith. Hindu groups came together in extraordinary numbers, answering a powerful call for unity."
Swipe Left For Next Video
BJP MLA Samik Bhattacharya told News18: “There is saffron unity on the ground because radical elements are growing. That is why Hindu unity is necessary. This was organised by sadhus and saints, and common people joined because they felt it was needed at this moment."
Whether the saffron surge at the Brigade was an exceptional one-day event or a reflection of a deeper shift in political perception in Bengal remains a subject of debate among analysts and political actors alike.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Meet India’s Nuclear Submarine – The Silent Giant That Is Ready To Strike Khan Yunis Brigade Military Chief Muhammad Abu Shaleh Satish Shah underwent kidney transplant few months ago Angels manager Ron Washington reveals he underwent major heart surgery Brigade Group housing ₹1 Ahaan Panday reveals he underwent a major surgery after Saiyaara PM Modi To Address Mega Brigade Rally On March 14 As BJP’s Bengal Parivartan Yatra Reaches Finale Sunday barbaad Union Budget 2026 Date Set For Sunday As Key Panel Clears Parliament Calendar Why is Sunday a holiday
Knowa De Baraso hits back at George Santos over 'parenting' remark amid Eric Swalwell TikTok rowInfluencer Knowa De Baraso defended his parents against George Santos’s criticism regarding a TikTok video with Eric Swalwell. Published on: Apr 18
3 hours ago
TCS CEO breaks silence on allegations of religious conversion, sexual harassment at Nashik unit. Read full statementAn independent investigation by TCS is being headed by teams from Deloitte and law firm Trilegal. Published on: Apr 18, 2026 7:35 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link In an
3 hours ago
A key bill for 33% women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies failed to pass. The government's plan to expand Lok Sabha seats and link it with delimitation faced opposition. This marks a rare legislative defeat for the ruling party
3 hours ago
BSE Mock Trading: BSE on Friday announced that the exchange has scheduled a mock trading session for Electronic Gold Receipts, Commodity Derivatives segment, Currency Derivatives, Equity Derivatives and Equity segment on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from primary site (PR) and disaster recovery site
3 hours ago
Kalyan Jewellers sets board meeting date to announce Q4 results 2026, final dividend for FY26 The board of directors of Kalyan Jewellers India is scheduled to meet on Friday, May 8 to consider and approve Q4 results 2026, and the firm may also recommend a final dividend for FY26
3 hours ago
Gautam Adani has become Asia’s richest individual after the billionaire industrialist’s net worth climbed to $92.6 billion, placing him at the 19th position globally. Adani outperformed Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani to claim the title, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index
3 hours ago
Akshay Kumar breaks silence on Hera Pheri 3, says the film is not happening anytime soon: ‘Jab waqt aayega tab…’Hera Pheri 3, starring the OG cast- actors Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has been mired in controversy since the beginning. Apr 18, 2026
3 hours ago
In an interview with News18, Mahua Moitra spoke about the electoral mood, voter roll concerns, welfare politics, and the broader contest in West Bengal. In the middle of a high-stakes electoral battle in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra remains combative and unapologetic
3 hours ago
After 25 years, Coventry are back in the Premier League. It has been 9,113 days since they were relegated - by a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on 5 May 2001 - with the Sky Blues then tumbling to the brink. After spending 11 years in the Championship
3 hours ago
Oil prices have plummeted after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely open" to commercial ships for the remainder of the ceasefire in the US-Israel war with Iran. The cost of a barrel of Brent crude fell to $88 (£65) a barrel after the announcement
3 hours ago
South Africa is facing an alarming increase in non-communicable diseases and related mortality. According to Statistics South Africa, deaths due to non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension increased by over 58% between 1997 and 2018
3 hours ago
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified a revised list of banks authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to import gold and silver for three years, beginning April 1, 2026. In a public notice issued on Friday, April 17
3 hours ago
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened for commercial ships following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This move initially boosted oil markets. However, Iran has cautioned that the waterway could be shut again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile
3 hours ago
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
3 hours ago
A Kanye West concert in Poland has been cancelled, the venue has announced, following government pressure and condemnation over a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments by the US rapper. West, also known as Ye, was scheduled to appear at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów on 19 June
3 hours ago
Samsung bets on AI and 3D displays to change customer experience for businessesSamsung India introduces a glasses-free 3D spatial signage in Gurugram, aiming to change how stores and banks connect with customers in real time. Updated on: Apr 17
3 hours ago
Coors Field weather update: Denver stadium covered in snow ahead of Dodgers vs Rockies game; viral videos emergeCoors Field is buried in snow on Friday afternoon, just hours before the Dodgers vs Rockies in Denver. Published on: Apr 18, 2026 5:24 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link Coors
3 hours ago
US President Donald Trump has issued fresh warning to Iran. Read the details here. The upcoming negotiations between the US and Iran are being closely watched globally, as their success or failure could have far-reaching implications for West Asia’s security, global energy markets
3 hours ago
More than 1.5 million women hold elected positions in Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country. Various states provide for reservation of between one-third and half of all Panchayati Raj Institutions seats for women. In contrast, women account for 13.8% of members in the 18th Lok Sabha
3 hours ago
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says no decision has been made on the future of forward Marcus Rashford for next season. The 28-year-old is on a season-long loan at Spanish club Barcelona after falling out of favour at Old Trafford
3 hours ago
Mamata hails Supreme Court order on appellate tribunals and freeze voter lists: ‘Nobody happier than me’The court ordered that people cleared by appellate tribunals for inclusion in electoral rolls at least two days before voting will be entitled to vote. Updated on: Apr 17
3 hours ago
BSNL has recently introduced an impressive family postpaid plan aimed at consumers looking for comprehensive telecom services for their entire family. This plan, priced at ₹999, offers four SIM cards, each equipped with 75GB of data and unlimited calling. Additionally
3 hours ago
The Vivo Y05 hasn’t arrived with the usual hype. No event, no big announcements. Vivo simply listed it on its website and pushed it to offline stores. Walk into a retail shop and you’ll likely spot it already. The phone comes in two variants. You get 4GB RAM with 64GB storage as the base option
3 hours ago
Mohini Ekadashi, observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month, will be celebrated on April 27, 2026. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Mohini avatar, when he took a divine form to distribute nectar (amrit) among the gods and demons
3 hours ago
Kash Patel fires back at 'wild drinking' allegations with fiery lawsuit threatFollowing a report from The Atlantic alleging excessive drinking by FBI Director Kash Patel, his legal team is threatening court action. Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link A legal
3 hours ago
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for global religious unity for peace. He praises Pope Leo's stance and urges leaders to speak with one voice. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, is highlighted. Mirwaiz emphasizes that resolving the Palestinian occupation is
3 hours ago
Saiyaara, Haiwaan writer Rohan Shankar decodes Hindi film industry's revival after lull: ‘No Bollywood vs South anymore’In an interview with Hindustan Times, writer Rohan Shankar talks about why recent films that struck big at the box office worked the way they did. Apr 18, 2026
3 hours ago
