Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Yuva Bharati Stadium). The VVIP Gate. Right next to it stands a large statue—depicting a torso extending from the feet up to the waist, surmounted by the 'Biswa Bangla' logo.
The statue was commissioned during the tenure of the Trinamool government; indeed, Mamata Banerjee herself had designed it. Now, however, that very statue is being removed. The BJP government has taken this decision. Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik stated that the statue lacks any significance and is not particularly aesthetically pleasing; therefore, it will be taken down.
**Nisith at Yuva Bharati to Watch the Derby Match**
Yesterday—Sunday—the highly anticipated Derby match took place at the Yuva Bharati Stadium, pitting East Bengal against Mohun Bagan. Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik attended the stadium to witness this derby clash. Upon leaving the venue, he shared his impressions of the match-viewing experience. He remarked that it was a fierce contest, noting that neither team was in any way inferior to the other. He described the experience of watching the game live from the stands as magnificent, adding that the enthusiasm displayed by the spectators was truly a sight to behold. He further stated that, barring any urgent official engagements, he intends to be present at the stadium for every match played there henceforth—not just football matches, but cricket matches as well.
**Stadium Modernization**
Subsequently, the Sports Minister announced several decisions regarding the stadium's infrastructure. He revealed that plans are underway to modernize the infrastructure of Yuva Bharati. Additionally, a food court is to be established. All food items served at the court will undergo rigorous quality checks; dedicated food testing officers will be deployed for this purpose to ensure that only food of verified quality is offered to the spectators.
**Nisith on the 'Messi Scandal'**
The 'Messi Scandal' also featured in Nisith's remarks. He pledged to restore a sense of dignity to those individuals who had shed tears of anguish at this stadium—those whose hard-earned money was squandered and who were subjected to humiliation. He confirmed that a fresh investigation into the 'Messi files' has been initiated. The agency has been informed that all funds paid by spectators must be refunded. The Ministry of Sports will provide assistance in this regard, should it become necessary.
**Nishith on the Statue Outside Yuba Bharati**
Subsequently, addressing the statue situated outside Yuba Bharati, he remarked: "It is such a bizarre statue—essentially a severed leg with a football perched atop it. I personally believe that the previous government's misfortunes began the very moment this statue was installed. That was followed by the 'Messi fiasco,' and shortly thereafter, the government fell. We will not retain a statue that is utterly devoid of meaning or significance; we intend to replace it."