The Banga Sanskriti Utsav, a cultural event organised by the West Bengal government, was inaugurated this week by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Interestingly, some intellectuals including thespian Bibhash Chakraborty and singer Pallab Kirtaniya – who earlier adopted a pro-change stance and shirked all state-sponsored functions following the Nandigram fiasco – have decided to participate in the festival. These intellectuals assert that participating in any event is their right as citizens even if they oppose the state politically. However, their participation in the Banga Sanskriti Utsav could indicate a rift in the Paribartan Chai brigade.