Bengal gets green beacons, thanks to Didi

The colour red has always been the symbol of communism and the Left throughout the world. And probably that is what makes West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee so allergic to it. From government building walls to anything else that can be thought of, the West Bengal government is leaving no stone unturned to wipe out the ‘Red raj’ in the state. But the TMC’s latest plan- to change all red beacons on official cars in West Bengal to green – is perhaps the most novel scheme yet. And here is the reasoning for this decision:

“Red is the colour of allergy. If you have a rash, your skin turns red. But green and blue are soothing colours. If you suffer from eye problems, doctors’ advice you to look towards the sky or towards any green-coloured object. I feel we should get rid of red even on beacons fitted over hoods of our cars,” West Bengal Minister Madan Mitra was quoted as telling the Hindustan Times. If sources are to be believed, Mamata Banerjee has already given her consent for the same.

Speaking to the Indian Express, Mitra said the file has already been sent to CM Mamata Banerjee. “We will ensure there is no place for red in West Bengal. I have discussed the matter (of removing red beacons) with Didi and she has given her consent,” Mitra told the daily. Since the time Mamata Banerjee took charge of West Bengal, one of the constant endeavours of the state government has been to change everything painted red to green. According to an Economic Times article, in May 2011, all that was red inside Kolkata’s iconic Writers’ Building was turned to green, sparing the 1780 Corinthian facade designed by Thomas Lyon, the only thing that has been spared as of now.

If you thought that was bad, the colour red is avoided even on invitation cards and floral bouquets. As per The Times of India report, it states that when Mamata Banerjee was Railway Minister, special care was taken to ensure that there was no red in the backdrop to the dais. Not even a red carpet or cushion. Special instructions were given to the railway authorities to ensure that no shades of red are ever used in any form. Anything other than red could be used in all formal events and official use.

So allergic is the Trinamool Congress to red that in 2012, even road dividers, railings in parks, chairs at public functions were changed to any colour other than red. Railway buildings in West Bengal were also stripped off their red paint and shades of yellow, green, pink and even purple were plastered onto them. So now that the supremo has shown a green flag to go ahead with the decision, we would soon see green beacons doing the rounds in West Bengal. Alas after a long time, some poriborton could be seen which is positive. 

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