‘Why was Eid moved but not Yoga Day?’: Kolkata questions 7-day Red Road closure for PM Modi event

A week-long closure of Kolkata’s Red Road ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s International Yoga Day programme has sparked criticism online, with many social media users drawing comparisons with the recent controversy over Eid prayers being shifted away from the iconic thoroughfare.

The backlash erupted after Kolkata Police announced that Red Road would remain closed to traffic, either fully or partially, until June 21, when PM Modi is scheduled to attend a large-scale Yoga Day event.

The decision has prompted questions from critics who recalled that authorities had earlier opposed the use of Red Road for Eid prayers, citing traffic concerns and the need to keep the arterial route operational.

One social media user wrote:

“Red Road closed for vehicular traffic FOR 7 DAYS!!!! For International Yoga Day? @BJP4Bengal came into power citing administration betterment. Is this what the people of Kolkata deserve?

They raised a furor when Muslims blocked Red Road for 1 day for Eid. Where are they now?”

Another user questioned why an alternative venue was not considered for the Yoga Day programme.

“I don't think Red Road would remain closed for 7 days when Republic Day parade or Puja Carnival used to take place there.

Just a month ago, Bakrid namaz offering was rightly shifted from Red Road to the Brigade Parade Ground. Why can Yoga Day programme not be held there as well?”

Netizens raise questions over ‘double standards’ Much of the criticism has centred on what users described as unequal treatment of different events.

“The rule of law should be equal for everyone, but the central ruling party always demands special privileges at the cost of the public.,” one post read.

Another user wrote:

“There is opposition to the use of Red Road for Eid prayers, yet Red Road is closed for seven days for International Yoga Day. How can this double standard be explained? Is the law equal for everyone, or does its application change depending on the nature of the event?”

Some reactions employed satire to mock the decision. One widely circulated post sarcastically suggested that yoga participants must be ‘invisible’ and therefore would not create traffic problems, unlike those gathering for Eid prayers.

The post mocked the perceived inconsistency in allowing a prolonged closure for a Yoga Day event while citing traffic concerns in the case of Eid congregations.

The online criticism has largely focused on the contrast between the government’s earlier position on maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow on Red Road and the current week-long restrictions imposed for preparations linked to the Prime Minister’s visit.

Red Road to remain shut until June 21

According to senior police officers, no vehicular movement on either flank of Red Road will be allowed until June 21, although one side may be opened depending on traffic volume and operational requirements.

On Monday, the Raj Bhavan-bound flank of the road was already closed as workers erected a massive stage in the middle of the thoroughfare. Vehicles were being allowed through the opposite flank, but only in one direction.

Officials said the closure would be the longest in recent memory for Red Road, one of Kolkata’s busiest traffic corridors.

The road was shut for five days in May 2016 ahead of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s second swearing-in ceremony.

Other major events, including Republic Day and Independence Day parades as well as Kolkata’s annual Durga Puja carnival, have generally resulted in traffic restrictions lasting only a few hours or a single day.

The issue has attracted particular attention because of the debate surrounding Eid prayers earlier this year.

Dilip Ghosh backs decision:

Responding to the criticism, Dilip Ghosh said prayers had been held on Red Road for over a century without similar objections being raised.

He argued that PM Modi's programme requires extensive security arrangements regardless of the venue and that Red Road was chosen because it has lower population density and public movement, making it more convenient and in line with protocol.

Vital traffic corridor

Red Road serves as a key connector for traffic arriving from the AJC Bose Road flyover, DL Khan Road, Vidyasagar Setu and Hastings, making it one of the most heavily used stretches in the city.

While police have announced a detailed diversion plan, commuters are expected to face significant inconvenience over the coming days as preparations continue for the Prime Minister’s International Yoga Day programme.