Theatrical Dispute: Bengal Troupes Ousted from Repertory Grant List

A controversy has erupted over the exclusion of 10 significant theatre groups from West Bengal in the Centre’s repertory grant list. The affected groups, including ones led by prominent theatre personalities, accuse the BJP-led government of political bias. They demand an immediate review of the decision.

A controversy has erupted in West Bengal over the exclusion of 10 prominent theatre groups from the Centre's repertory grant list, a move they allege is politically motivated by the BJP-led union government.

The recent list, issued by the Ministry of Culture, includes 296 theatre troupes from West Bengal but omits 10 groups previously receiving funding. Among those excluded are groups led by notable figures such as Meghnad Bhattacharya, Debesh Chattopadhyay, and Poulomi Basu, the daughter of the late Soumitra Chatterjee.

Reacting to the decision, Debesh Chattopadhyay, director of the troupe 'Sansriti', criticized it as arbitrary and politically driven. He, along with other theatre personalities, is calling for an immediate review and reconsideration, highlighting the significant impact on many full-time repertoire workers depending on these grants for their livelihood.