Kolkata(IANS) : It was meant to be a reception for Sourav Ganguly for his stupendous performance against Pakistan, but it turned into a farce and at times bordered on bedlam.
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had planned the reception at the Millennium Park to celebrate the former Indian captain’s comeback and enable his fans to have a glimpse of him.
As soon as Sourav arrived, the crowd rushed to the stage as Industries Minister Nirupam Sen, Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Ashok Bhattacharya, Mayor Bikash Bhattacharya and Mayor-in-Council member Faiyaz Ahmed Khan strived to control the surging crowd.
As photographers and television camerapersons jostled for a vantage position, the crowd cared little for the assembled dignitaries.
Renowned singer Indranil Sen belted a Bengali number, but nothing could be heard in the din. Recitation of a poem by poet Subodh Sarkar had little impact as chants of ‘dada’, ‘dada’ rent the air.
“I am thankful for the reception. It will inspire me further,” Saurav said.
“I am moved by the love you have shown for me,” he said as the crowd broke into raptures.
The programme ended with the mayor perhaps summing up the situation best. “I have nothing to say. I just hope people can return home without any broken bones,” he said as a visibly peeved Saurav left the venue under personal security cover.