Kolkata Derby Rescheduled; Fans Protest Ticket “Black Marketing”

While the city is gripped by election fever, its soul remains tied to football. The highly anticipated ISL clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, which was originally slated for early May, has been rescheduled due to the election counting dates (May 4). The new date has sparked a logistical nightmare for fans who had already booked travel and stay in the city.

This morning, large groups of supporters gathered at the Salt Lake Stadium and the Maidan tents to protest the alleged “black marketing” of tickets. Fans claim that while the official portal showed “Sold Out” within minutes, tickets are being sold at five times the price on unofficial social media groups. The police have had to intervene in a few instances to disperse the crowds, as the city is under Section 144 in many areas.

The Derby is currently trending as a symbol of “Resilience vs. Regulation.” With Mohun Bagan leading the ISL table and East Bengal showing a strong resurgence, the match is more than just a game; it is a decider for the league topper status. “In Kolkata, elections come every five years, but the Derby is forever,” said a fan at the Mohun Bagan tent. The administrative challenge now is to provide adequate security for the match while nearly 2,400 companies of forces are still tied up in election duties.