{{short description|Bengali political slogan}} {{Italic title}} {{about||the 2023 film|Khela Hobe (film)}} {{Use Indian English|date=November 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}} [[File:Mamata Banerjee - Kolkata 2011-12-08 7542 Cropped.JPG|thumb|180px|Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, used the slogan.]] [[File:Shamim Osman Cropped- Sheikh Hasina Awami League Election Rally Narayanganj 2024-01-04 (PID-0011612) (cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|Shamim Osman, Bangladeshi politician, first used the slogan.]]
'''Khela Hobe''' ({{langx|bn|খেলা হবে}}) is a popular Bengali language political slogan in Bangladesh and India, especially in West Bengal and Assam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 14, 2021|first=Prabin|last=Kalita|title='Khela hobe': Game's on in Assam too, with a twist|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/assam/khela-hobe-games-on-in-assam-too-with-a-twist/articleshow/81488834.cms|access-date=2021-04-11|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314030950/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/assam/khela-hobe-games-on-in-assam-too-with-a-twist/articleshow/81488834.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=টুম্পা সোনা, খেলা হবে ও কৃষ্ণকলি - TheWall|url=https://thewall.in/opinion-column-about-2021-election-campaign-and-its-strategy-with-parody-song/|access-date=2021-04-11|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411144716/https://thewall.in/opinion-column-about-2021-election-campaign-and-its-strategy-with-parody-song/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-31|title='Khela Hobe' to 'Cool Cool Trinamool': A look at catchy slogans in West Bengal|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/khela-hobe-to-cool-cool-trinamool-a-look-at-catchy-slogans-in-west-bengal-968630.html|access-date=2021-04-11|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411144712/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/khela-hobe-to-cool-cool-trinamool-a-look-at-catchy-slogans-in-west-bengal-968630.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It translates to English as "The game is on". The slogan was first popularized by Bangladeshi politician Shamim Osman.<ref>{{Cite web|title=শামীম ওসমানের 'খেলা হবে' স্লোগান ধার করে উত্তাল পশ্চিমবঙ্গ|url=https://www.banglatribune.com/666958/%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%93%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E2%80%99-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2|access-date=2021-04-11|website=Bangla Tribune|language=bn|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411154631/https://www.banglatribune.com/666958/%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%93%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E2%80%99-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Usage == === Politics === ====Bangladesh==== Shamim Osman, an Awami League and Jatiya Sangsad member, first used the slogan "Khela Hobe" in 2013. He gave the slogan on the eve of the 10th National Assembly elections in the context of the movement led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.<ref name=pa/> He said at a political meeting in Narayanganj "কারে খেলা শেখান? আমরা তো ছোটবেলার খেলোয়াড়। খেলা হবে!" ({{lit|Who are you teaching the game? We are players from childhood. The game is on!}})<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/bn/%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A3%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%9E%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9C-%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87/a-56636655|title='খেলা হবে' নারায়ণগঞ্জ থেকে পশ্চিমবঙ্গে|language=bn|first=Payel|last=Samanta|date=20 February 2021|access-date=7 November 2022|newspaper=Deutsche Welle}}</ref> He also used the slogan on 27 August 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsbangla24.com/news/204420/Again-I-will-play|title='আবারও বলছি, খেলা হবে'|language=bn|first=Mohammad Billal|last=Hossain|date=27 August 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|website=Newsbangla24.com}}</ref> On 16 July 2022, Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of Awami League and Jatiya Sangsad member also used the slogan to call the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on the way to the election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jugantor.com/politics/573196/%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%93%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0|title=খেলা হবে, খেলায় আসুন: ওবায়দুল কাদের|language=bn|date=16 July 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|newspaper=Jugantor}}</ref> Then in 17 August, in a rally organized on the occasion of 2005 Bangladesh bombings day,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mzamin.com/news.php?news=16645|title=খেলা হবে, খেলা: ওবায়দুল কাদের|language=bn|date=17 August 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|newspaper=Manab Zamin}}</ref> At the triennial conference of the Awami League held in Dhaka in 29 October,<ref name=pa/> and Tangail in 7 November, he used the slogan against the party.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/619514/%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%93%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%97-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0|title=ডিসেম্বরে খেলা হবে, আওয়ামী লীগ প্রস্তুত: কাদের|language=bn|date=7 November 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|newspaper=The Daily Ittefaq}}</ref><ref name=pa>{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/2le1ewgp3b|title=নারায়ণগঞ্জ থেকে কলকাতা হয়ে 'খেলা হবে' এখন ঢাকায়|language=bn|first=Rajib|last=Ahmed|date=30 October 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|newspaper=Prothom Alo}}</ref> Obaidul Quader was later criticized by some members of the opposition in Parliament for using the slogan "Khela Hobe". In response to the criticism, he said that "Khela Hobe" was a political slogan and its use did not violate democracy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.banglanews24.com/politics/news/bd/984484.details|title=ভারতের নির্বাচনেও মোদি-মমতা 'খেলা হবে' শ্লোগান দিয়েছেন|language=bn|date=7 November 2022|access-date=7 November 2022|website=Banglanews24.com}}</ref>
====India==== In 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC) utilised the sense of fighting spirit through its unofficial election anthem<ref>{{cite web|date=5 March 2021|title=Bengal Assembly Elections 2021: 'Khela Hobe' fame Debangshu Bhattacharya fails to get TMC ticket|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bengal-assembly-polls-2021-khela-hobe-fame-debangshu-bhattacharya-fails-to-get-tmc-ticket-2879417|work=DNA India|access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref> ''Khela Hobe'' (The Game is On) which was later modified into the slogan ''Bhanga Paye Khela Hobe'' (The Game will be played even with a fractured leg).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/west-bengal/mamata-leads-tmcs-march-on-wheelchair-says-injured-tiger-more-dangerous/articleshow/81494922.cms|title=Mamata leads TMC's march on wheelchair, says injured tigress is more dangerous|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=DNA Explainer: Origin of the slogan 'Khela hobe' and how it became war cry in West Bengal Assembly election 2021|language=en|work=DNA India|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dna-explainer-origin-of-the-slogan-khela-hobe-and-how-it-became-war-cry-in-2021-west-bengal-assembly-election-2882669|access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref> The song was viral in the state of West Bengal to the extent that even BJP cadres used the slogan ''Khela Hobe'' instead of the official party slogans ''Aar Noy Onnyay'' (No More Injustice) and ''Sonar Bangla'' (Golden Bengal)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/12/khela-hobe-trinamools-poll-jingle-goes-viral-bjp-uses-it-to-hit-back-at-mamata-camp-2275626.html|title='Khela Hobe': Trinamool's poll jingle goes viral, BJP uses it to hit back at Mamata camp|website=The New Indian Express |date=12 March 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=16 March 2021|title=Bengal elections: How 'Khela hobe' has become a slogan for both TMC and BJP|language=en|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-khela-hobe-bengal-assembly-polls-7201242/}}</ref> until Narendra Modi himself disapproved of it.<ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/khela-hobe-to-khela-sesh-its-season-of-slogans/article34155120.ece|title='Khela hobe' to 'khela sesh' — it's season of slogans|website=The Hindu|date=25 March 2021|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay}}</ref> 'Khela Hobe' (the game is on), used by Trinamool Congress in their election campaigns, proved to be highly successful. Debangshu Bhattacharya,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-16|title='Khela Hobe': Debangshu Bhattacharya Dev, man behind TMC's slogan speaks to FPJ ahead of West Bengal polls|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/khela-hobe-debangshu-bhattacharya-dev-man-behind-tmcs-slogan-speaks-to-fpj-ahead-of-west-bengal-polls|work=The Free Press Journal|access-date=2021-10-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-17|title=Our slogan shows which way wind is blowing in Bengal: TMC's Debangshu Bhattacharya who wrote 'Khela hobe'|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/khela-hobe-slogan-shows-which-way-wind-is-blowing-in-bengal-says-tmc-debangshu-bhattacharya-7232538/|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2021-10-08}}</ref> Trinamool spokesperson and General Secretary of Trinamool Youth Congress, had composed a song titled 'Khela Hobe' which was uploaded on social media on January 7<ref>{{cite web|date=25 March 2021|title='Just like Dhoni, Mamatadi will be the finisher for us'|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/cover/just-like-dhoni-mamatadi-will-be-the-finisher-for-us/article34157932.ece|work=Business Line|access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref> and later its DJ version<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Khela Hobe {{!}} @Songify India {{!}} Debangshu {{!}} Dj Remix {{!}} New Tmc Dj Song 2021 {{!}} Dj BulBul {{!}} Dj Amin|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWdHKVgV_b8|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|title=খেলা হবে DJ Version #KhelaHobe Debangshu Bhattacharya|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB8Ahyln8aE|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite AV media|title=Khela Hobe vs Mamata Di Arekbar {{!}} Debangshu Slogan Remix {{!}} New TMC Dj Song 2021 {{!}} DJ ABHI Maheshtala|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FPaWT7AALvA&list=RDFPaWT7AALvA&start_radio=1&pp=ygUKS2hlbGEgaG9iZaAHAdIHCQnDCgGHKiGM7w%3D%3D|via=YouTube|first=|type=Video}}</ref> from the independent music artists like [https://www.youtube.com/c/djabhimaheshtala DJ ABHI-Maheshtala]<ref>{{Cite web |title=DJ ABHI-Maheshtala |url=https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138499252 |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=www.wikidata.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> (Indian DJ and music producer) went viral on the internet.
After the victory in the 2021 election, TMC party workers celebrated using the slogan 'Party hobe' and danced to the song Khela Hobe.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 4, 2021 |first=Tamaghna|last=Banerjee|title='Party hobe': CM Mamata Banerjee's supporters paint the town green |language=en|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/party-hobe-didis-supporters-paint-the-town-green/articleshow/86741104.cms}}</ref>
In view of the popular slogan of ''Khela Hobe'', Mamata Banerjee declared that her party would observe 16 August (on that day in 1980, supporters of East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan AC, 2 rival football clubs clashed with each other, leading to death of 12 supporters, thereby signifying Bengali people's passion for football) as ''Khela Hobe Divas'', which the BJP tried to link with Direct Action Day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tmc-bjp-spar-over-khela-hobe-dibas-on-august-16/article35915338.ece|title=TMC, BJP spar over 'Khela Hobe Dibas' on August 16|website=The Hindu|date=14 August 2021|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay}}</ref> 'Khela Hobe Divas' was celebrated as planned.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 16, 2021|title=Khela Hobe Divas: TMC celebrates 'Khela Hobe Divas'|language=en|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/tmc-observes-khela-hobe-diwas-across-west-bengal/articleshow/85363785.cms|access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref>
Mamata Banerjee also launched a government scheme named ''Khela Hobe'' under which a grant of 5,00,000 INR alongside free footballs were distributed to 25,000 sporting clubs of the state for promotion of sports among the economically poorer sections of the society.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/mamata-banerjee-dribbles-football-at-khela-hobe-programme-launch-in-kolkata-101627913128403.html|title=Mamata dribbles football at 'Khela hobe' programme launch; says slogan now popular across India|website=hindustantimes.com|date=2 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 October 2021|title=Mamata Banerjee in Goa: Didi talks fish, football amid 'Khela Hobe' chants|language=en|work=mint|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/mamata-banerjee-in-goa-didi-talks-fish-football-amid-khela-hobe-chants-11635522177186.html}}</ref>
Inspired by the slogan, the political parties Samajwadi Party and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh used the slogan 'Khadeda Hobe'.<ref>{{cite news|title=SP-SBSP join hands, give slogan 'Khadeda Hobe' on lines of Mamata's 'Khela Hobe' battle cry|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/uttar-pradesh/sp-sbsp-join-hands-give-slogan-khadeda-hobe-on-lines-of-mamatas-khela-hobe-battle-cry/articleshow/87314480.cms}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BJP hits out at SP, SBSP Uttar Pradesh alliance, says no 'Khadeda Hobe', 'Khela Hobe' only 'Vikas Hobe'|language=en|work=Big News Network.com|url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/271597306/bjp-hits-out-at-sp-sbsp-uttar-pradesh-alliance-says-no-khadeda-hobe-khela-hobe-only-vikas-hobe}}</ref>
==Successor slogans== Following the success of "Khela Hobe" in the 2021 elections, the AITC continued to develop musical campaign slogans. "[https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0rCjLLcrNragyYPQSzE3MTSxJVEjJVEgsSs1OSiwCAMeGC7o&q=mamata+di+arekbar&rlz=1C1ONGR_enIN1178IN1178&oq=MAMA&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDAgBEC4YJxiABBiKBTIPCAAQIxgnGOMCGIAEGIoFMgwIARAuGCcYgAQYigUyBggCEEUYOzIGCAMQRRg5MhIIBBAuGBQYgwEYhwIYsQMYgAQyBggFEEUYQTIGCAYQRRhBMgYIBxBFGDzSAQgzMjk1ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Mamata Di Arekbar]" ({{langx|bn|মমতা দি আরেকবার}}, {{lit|Mamata Di One More Time}}) emerged as a subsequent slogan emphasizing administrative continuity and leadership endorsement.<ref name="khela-wiki">{{cite web |title=Khela Hobe |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khela_Hobe |website=Wikipedia |access-date=25 April 2026}}</ref>
Like "Khela Hobe," Debangshu Bhattacharya composed and performed "Mamata Di Arekbar," with digital production by Kolkata-based DJ ABHI-Maheshtala<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Entrepreneur |date=2025-07-04 |title=DJ ABHI-Maheshtala Announces Comeback After 1.5-Year Break, Plans for New Music and Own Independent Label. |url=https://www.entrepreneurhunt.com/dj-abhi-maheshtala-announces-comeback-after-15-year-break-plans-for-new-music-and-own-independent-label |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Entrepreneur Hunt |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ABHI-Maheshtala |first=D. J. |title=DJ ABHI-Maheshtala {{!}} Independent DJ & Music Producer |url=https://www.djabhimaheshtala.in/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.djabhimaheshtala.in |language=en-IN}}</ref> (Abhilash Ghosh).<ref name="apple-music">{{cite web |title=Mamata Di Arekbar (Slogan Mix) - Song by DJ ABHI-Maheshtala & Debangshu Bhattacharya |url=https://music.apple.com/us/song/mamata-di-arekbar-slogan-mix/1834804535 |website=Apple Music |access-date=25 April 2026}}</ref> The track was released on August 21, 2025, through Mermaidz Records<ref>{{Cite web |last=ABHI-Maheshtala |first=D. J. |title=Mermaidz Records {{!}} Music Distribution & Publishing |url=https://mermaidzrecords.in/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Mermaidz Records |language=en}}</ref> and distributed on streaming platforms including YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify.<ref name="apple-album">{{cite web |title=Mamata Di Arekbar (Slogan Mix) - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/mamata-di-arekbar-slogan-mix-single/1834804534 |website=Apple Music |access-date=25 April 2026}}</ref>
For the 2026 Assembly elections, the party released a new campaign song with the slogan "Je Lorche Sobar Daake, Sei Jetabe Bangla Maake" (The one who fights for everyone's call, will win over Bengal).<ref name="millennium">{{cite news |title=TMC launches campaign song for 2026 polls |url=https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/tmc-launches-campaign-song-for-2026-polls-654547 |newspaper=Millennium Post |access-date=25 April 2026 |date=April 2026}}</ref>
===Other=== Kolkata hosted its first football tournament named Khela Hobe for the blind in November 2021.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kolkata set to host its first football tournament for the blind in November|work=www.msn.com|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/sport/cricket/kolkata-set-to-host-its-first-football-tournament-for-the-blind-in-november/ar-AAQuznt|access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref>
Durga Puja pandals were created on the Khela Hobe theme.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 October 2021|title=Game mode on with 'Khela Hobe' themed Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata|language=en|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/game-mode-on-with-khela-hobe-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-101633842965986.html}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}
Category:Indian political slogans Category:Bangladeshi political slogans Category:2013 quotations Category:Trinamool Congress Category:Bengali words and phrases Category:Mamata Banerjee Category:2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election