No statue, a new food court – West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik vows changes at Salt Lake Stadium

West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik signaled several changes in and around the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) – also known as the Salt Lake Stadium – soon after the Kolkata derby ended 1-1 between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal in Kolkata on Sunday.

“We have taken a few decisions regarding the infrastructure of the stadium, including building a food court, so that fans do not face any problem if matches go on for a long time,” Pramanik said.

Pramanik was at the stadium with All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey and praised the atmosphere of the derby, which saw over 62,000 people flock to the stadium. The match ended as a draw, with Jason Cummings’ late equalizer denying East Bengal its first win over Bagan in the Indian Super League.

«Both teams put in brilliant performances… we were able to see large numbers of fans of both clubs; fans of each club were in tune with the other side. Moreover, it all happened peacefully, which could only be possible since it happened in Kolkata,» Pramanik said.

“My best wishes to both clubs, and we will see more such matches in the future, and we hope that football, which is so popular in this state, will continue to expand.”

Moreover, he added that the new government will also try to change the aesthetics around the stadium, especially the bizarre sculpture in front of the VIP gate, of a headless torso, with two balls at its feet, and the Biswa Bangla ball on top of the waist.

The structure was «conceived and designed» by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as part of Kolkata’s preparations for the 2017 FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup.

“This strange image, without any real meaning, with severed legs and a ball, is something we will not keep. We will change it,” Pramanik said.

The Sports Minister also clarified that the GOAT Tour fiasco will be re-investigated and ticket holders will get their money back. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, arrived in Calcutta in December 2025 for the first leg of the GOAT Tour.

However, he, along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, left the stadium early in chaos, leaving fans frustrated and furious as they could not see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner clearly.

«As you all know, the Messi chapter was a shame for this state, and after I took charge, we decided that people because of whom the event was sabotaged, they will not be spared. We have communicated the same to the agencies,» Pramanik said.

«In addition, we have held discussions with the general public, who saved their hard-earned money for the event to see Messi and were unable to do so, to return the money to each of them. If that does not happen, we will be forced to take strict action.»

Published on May 18, 2026