Kolkata, 09 April (H.S.): BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Thursday said that the slogan “Khela Hobe” reflects political messaging rather than true sporting spirit, alleging that West Bengal has failed to achieve meaningful progress in sports development.

During his North Bengal tour, Nabin attended an interaction with representatives of sports clubs and non-governmental organisations in Malda Town, where he also reached out to youth and sports bodies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), he said the slogan “Khela Hobe” is frequently raised during election periods, but little has been done on the ground to improve sports infrastructure or performance in the state.

He further alleged that central government schemes such as Khelo India and Fit India are not being properly implemented in West Bengal and that funds allocated by the Centre are not being utilised effectively.

Nabin said that states such as Haryana, Gujarat and Bihar are making significant progress in sports, while West Bengal, despite its rich sporting legacy, is falling behind.

Referring to the legacy of iconic institutions such as Mohun Bagan, he said the state’s lost sporting glory could be restored if the BJP comes to power.

Outlining the party’s broader vision for youth, he said the BJP would also focus on promoting talent in culture, arts, literature and journalism alongside sports.

Launching an attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged that while the country is moving forward with the Fit India initiative, her government is not aligned with such efforts and is instead extending support to infiltrators, which he said must stop.

He also noted that India is preparing bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, adding that a “double-engine government” in West Bengal could help young talents from the state gain international exposure.

Nabin further linked the decline of industries in the state to reduced corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments in sports development.

Concluding his remarks, he said that “Khela Hobe” symbolises political contestation ahead of elections rather than genuine sporting activity, which he claimed is detrimental to the healthy sporting environment in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh