Khela Hobe’ slogan reflects politics, not sports: Nitin Nabin
The Statesman | 11 April 2026
North Bengal is poised to emerge as a hub for sports and youth excellence, BJP national president Nitin Nabin said while addressing a Sports Club Meeting in Malda Town on Thursday, even as he launched a sharp attack on the Trinamul Congress over its popular slogan “Khela Hobe.”
During his North Bengal tour, Nabin participated in a sports-focused interaction with representatives of clubs and NGOs, using the platform to blend outreach with election messaging ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.
Targeting the ruling party in Bengal, he said: “Whenever elections approach in West Bengal, the slogan ‘Khela Hobe’ is raised. But in reality, there is no real development in sports here. Instead, the state is steadily lagging behind in sporting performance.”
He alleged that Central government schemes such as “Khelo India” and “Fit India” are not being properly implemented in the state, adding that funds allocated by the Centre are also not being utilised effectively. “States like Haryana, Gujarat and even Bihar are progressing in sports, while West Bengal, despite its rich legacy, is falling behind,” he said.
Referring to the legacy of iconic institutions like Mohun Bagan Club, Nabin stressed the need to revive the state’s sporting heritage. “If a BJP government comes to power, that lost glory can be restored,” he asserted.
Expanding his pitch, he said the party would also work towards promoting talent in culture, arts, literature and journalism, alongside sports, with a focus on empowering the younger generation.
Launching a direct attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Nabin remarked, “When the country is moving ahead with the ‘Fit India’ initiative, she treats it as ‘Hit India’. She is extending support to infiltrators, which must stop.”
Highlighting future opportunities, he noted that India is preparing bids to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036. “If a double-engine government is established in West Bengal in the next decade, young talents from the state will get the opportunity to shine on global platforms,” he said.
He also linked the decline of industries in the state to reduced corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments in sports development.
Concluding his remarks, Nabin said: “‘Khela Hobe’ does not represent real sports. It signifies political games before elections, which are damaging the healthy sporting environment in West Bengal.”