Red Road closure, govt staff ‘mandatory’ attendance for PM Modi’s Yoga Day event trigger row in Bengal

Red Road Closure and Govt Staff Attendance Spark Political Debate in Bengal

Red Road closure govt staff mandatory - The closure of Red Road in Kolkata for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's International Yoga Day event has ignited a fresh political controversy in West Bengal. Government officials have mandated the attendance of staff at the event, prompting criticism from unions and opposition leaders. The decision, which involves sealing off a key arterial road, has raised questions about the balance between public service and event logistics, with concerns growing over its impact on daily commutes and traffic flow.

Employee Unions Challenge Mandatory Attendance

The State Coordination Committee of West Bengal government employees has voiced strong objections to the directive requiring their participation in Modi’s Yoga Day event. They argue that the order, issued by the chief secretary, infringes on their professional autonomy and disrupts their work schedules. Meanwhile, the All India Lawyers Union (AILU) has highlighted the extended closure of Red Road, which has been in effect since June 14, as a major inconvenience for legal professionals who rely on the route for their work.

The court, while acknowledging the necessity of the closure for the event, has noted that the order does not explicitly compel staff to attend. Justice Amrita Sinha, during a recent hearing, emphasized that the government's intent to promote public health through yoga initiatives is commendable, but the mandatory attendance clause has sparked debate about its fairness and practicality.

“No, you cannot remain unhealthy. Because you are serving the government, the government will never want its employees to be unhealthy,” remarked Justice Amrita Sinha, underscoring the state's rationale for prioritizing wellness initiatives during the closure.

Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners, defended the employees' right to choose whether to participate. He pointed out that the directive, while well-meaning, could be interpreted as a top-down imposition. The judge, however, defended the government’s decision, stating that the event is a critical opportunity to promote national health campaigns and engage the public in a shared cause.

Opposition Criticizes the Road Closure

Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, have sharply criticized the road closure, accusing the government of inconsistency. Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra pointed out the discrepancy in the duration of the closure, noting that Red Road was previously closed for just an hour during Eid prayers but now remains shut for a week for Yoga Day. She called on the government to address the concerns of the public and employees, questioning the allocation of resources for such a prolonged disruption.

“Eid prayers could not be held for 1 hour for 1 day on Red Road but same Red Road closed to traffic for a week for Yoga Divas. Abu Taher Khan, Khalilur Rahman, Yusuf Pathan – have guts to ask your paymasters this question,” Mahua wrote on X, fueling public discourse about the event's logistics.

Despite the backlash, the government has reiterated its commitment to the Yoga Day initiative as a symbol of national unity and wellness. The event, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” aims to address the challenges posed by an aging population, a key policy focus for the current administration. However, critics argue that the mandatory attendance requirement adds unnecessary strain on workers and could be seen as a political move to showcase government efficiency.

Event Logistics and Public Impact

The closure of Red Road has been a contentious issue for local commuters, with many expressing frustration over the lack of adequate alternatives. The government has provided temporary routes, but these have been criticized for their limited capacity, leading to significant delays and congestion in nearby areas. Public transport and private vehicles have been affected, with some reports indicating that the closure has disrupted delivery services and emergency response times.

While the Yoga Day event is expected to draw large crowds, the extended closure has raised eyebrows about its necessity. Government staff, who are required