As election dates are nearing, the major political parties are trying their best to reach the public. Rallies, campaigns, direct meet-ups, door to door meet up, road shows etc. is how different parties are communicating with people. The battle for West Bengal in the upcoming Assembly election is also turning out to be a battle for ‘Tollywood’ (the nickname for the Bengali film and entertainment industry) between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With the Trinamool regularly showcasing celebrities and actors joining the party, the BJP was not to be left behind. On February 17, a host of actors and celebrities, including movie stars Papiya Adhikari, Soumili Ghosh Biswas and Yash Dasgupta – were inducted into the saffron fold in the presence of Kailash Vijayvargiya, national general secretary of the BJP and the party’s central observer for West Bengal. On the other hand, Sayantika Banerjee had joined TMC a few days ago, while a host of personalities of the industry like veteran actor Dipakar Dey, director Raj Chakraborty, director-actor Sudeshna Roy, actors June Malia, Kanchan Mullick and Saayoni Ghosh also joined the party a few days ago. And, as things are gearing up, there is huge speculation over Sourav Ganguly’s possible foray into politics. All eyes are now on the BJP rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground on March 7, although, as per some media reports, the former Indian cricket captain might share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Claims have been made that the BCCI President has been seen endorsing the parties. A picture of the BCCI president, donning a kurta and hands folded, is circulating with the text “Swagatam Dada”. However, the colour of Ganguly’s kurta changes as per the colours associated with CPI(M), Trinamool Congress and BJP, and so does the party symbol in the pictures. Anti-Fake News War Room has found that the original picture has no connection with any political party. Also, till the filing of this story, there has been no confirmation on Ganguly’s political plunge. Ganguly has endorsed many brands before and the advertisements or the posters are very common whatsoever. Several pictures of Ganguly are taking tours on the internet, in which he can be seen promoting the said parties. A picture of Ganguly wearing a saffron kurta has been used by BJP supporters after adding the party symbol with it. Trinamool and Left supporters have photoshopped the kurta colour and also their party symbols. All the three major contenders in Bengal – BJP, Trinamool and Left – have announced their candidates for the first two phases, and Ganguly’s name does not feature in either of them. Political analysts have ruled out the possibility of the former cricketing star joining the Left.
There have been growing murmurs of Ganguly joining the BJP. Some media reports have also hinted that he might be sharing the stage with PM Modi during the BJP’s March 7 Brigade Parade Ground rally in Kolkata. However, Ganguly’s political moves have been wrapped in suspense.
“We know Sourav is under rest at home. If he considers attending the meeting, health and weather conditions permitting, he will be most welcome. If he is present, we think he will like it. The crowd will also like that. But we don’t know. It is for him to decide,” Hindustan Times quoted BJP’s state spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya as saying. Thus, it is clear that the images have been morphed and Ganguly is strictly out of the political pitch.
