Overview

• State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya inaugurated the week-long Narendra Cup on September 11 in Howrah, with more than 1,300 teams competing across 43 organizational districts through September 17.
• The West Bengal government launched the Swami Vivekananda Cup the same day as an inter-district championship of 348 matches with a final scheduled for March 26, 2026.
• BJP organizers announced trophies and cash awards of Rs 50,000 for winners, Rs 25,000 for runners-up, and Rs 15,000 for third place, along with a tournament theme song and jersey.
• TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of politicising football, while Bhattacharya framed the effort as a tribute to Vivekananda and a way to engage youth.
• At the Narendra Cup kickoff, Trinamool supporters and mill workers surrounded Bhattacharya’s car over pay and bonus grievances, as the BJP set up committees of Yuva Morcha members and senior leaders to oversee the event.