NationalMonday, 15 June 2026·The Hindu - National
West Bengal’s June 2026 removal of Messi statue highlights political symbolism in Kolkata
Kolkata removed a 70-foot Lionel Messi statue on 1 June 2026 after a change in West Bengal government, making it a notable case of political symbolism.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, Kolkata in West Bengal removed a 70-foot fibreglass-and-iron statue of Lionel Messi from the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass area after 35 BJP MLAs were sworn in as Ministers at Lok Bhawan on 1 June 2026.
Key specifics
- The statue was installed in December 2025 during Messi’s “GOAT India Tour”.
- The structure stood near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club’s Durga Puja venue on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.
- On 1 June 2026, Kolkata recorded gusts of 60 kmph to 80 kmph when the statue was removed.
- The State Public Works Department said the statue would be kept at an undisclosed location.
- Another football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Yuba Bharati Krirangan, was removed on 23 May 2026.
Exam lens
Polity-cum-current affairs question: identify the city, date, statue height, and the political transition in West Bengal; TNPSC may ask about symbolic removal of public statues after regime change.