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Arijit Singh's concert in Kolkata cancelled due to his song Gerua? Political slugfest between BJP and TMC sets off

Arijit Singh's concert in Kolkata scheduled for February 18, 2023, has been cancelled. According to reports, the government of Kolkata-Trinamool Congress- denied permission citing a G-20 event in the same area. However, Bharatiya Janta Party's Amit Malviya claimed that the reason behind the cancellation was Arijit's song Rang De Tu Mohey Gerua. The singer performed the song in front of Kolkata's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Kolkata International Film Festival 2022. 

The cancellation of Arijit's concert set off a political slugfest between the opposition BJP and the ruling TMC. The former launched attacks on the Mamata Banerjee-led government for intolerance. The Kolkata CM, on several occasions, has criticised the so-called saffronisation of Indian politics by the BJP and the RSS. 

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Reacting to the cancellation of Arijit's concert, Amit Malviya tweeted, "Sr Bachchan was on dot when he spoke about shrinking space for civil liberties and freedom of expression at the Kolkata Film Festival. Arijit Singh who sang “Rang de tu mohe gerua”, with Mamata Banerjee on the dais now finds his show at EcoPark cancelled by HIDCO, a WB Govt body."

However, West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim clarified through a Facebook post that the concert had to be cancelled as permission was not granted due to a G-20 event. "G-20 summit is being scheduled to take place then. G20 members will be in the city that time around. Biswa Bangla convention centre is selected as one of the G20 meeting venue which is just opposite Eco Park, the venue which they want for the concert. According to the police, if thousands of people gather at Eco Park, it may cause law and order issue, which is why they are not allowing the program," Hakim said in his post. 

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh also hit back at false claims and tweeted, "Arijit sang 'gerua' on 15th. His programme was cancelled and deposit money 3 lacs was returned back on 8th. So, how can it be result of 'gerua'? On 9/12 team Arijit deposited 1 lac to Aquatica. Today inspection is on. Final application is yet to be done. BJP doing cheap politics."

Recently, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone's song Besharam Rang from Pathaan faced heat on social media as the actress was seen in a saffron-coloured outfit. Amid protests, the CBFC has asked the makers of the film to make some changes, including the songs. 

(Source: Twitter) 

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