In a First in Many Years, Kolkata Eid Namaz Shifts to Brigade Parade Ground From Red Road

 Kolkata: The first Eid namaz after BJP came to power in West Bengal was held on Thursday at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in the city instead of adjoining Red Road which used to remain closed for the event during the rule of Trinamul Congress and Communists.

The venue right in front of the Indian Army's Eastern Command headquarters, Vijay Durg erstwhile Fort William, has been changed this year after the new government led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari restricted events blocking roads in the city and state.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who made it a routine to attend and address the grand congregation of the Muslim community every year during her stint as the CM, however stayed indoors this time after posting her greetings of Eid-ul-Adha, known as Bakri Eid, on social media.

She stated, “Heartfelt greetings on Eid-ul-Adha. May this occasion bring hope, peace and happiness to one and all.” Her party MLA of Kasba Javed Ahmed Khan, who is the president of the Calcutta Khilafat Committee that organizes the event, pointed out the change of venue offers more space.

He said, “The venue has been changed from Red Road to Brigade. This is better because more people will come next time and fill up the Brigade. People are brought here to attend political rallies after paying money. But when lakhs of people will come here on their own for Eid namaz, it will reflect their love for their religion: Islam.”

Maulana Qari Fazlur Rahman who led the namaz thanked the state government for the arrangement. On the other hand, Mr Adhikari also posted his greetings on social media, stating “Greetings to all those who are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. Wishing you & your families peace and prosperity.” He later offered puja at ISCON temple at Mayapur in Nadia.