The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is sharply criticizing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the chaotic scenes that unfolded at the Lionel Messi event held at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The BJP is demanding legal action, stating that a mere apology is insufficient.
Chaos at the Event
The highly anticipated event, part of Messi's "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025," was marred by mismanagement, leading to widespread disappointment and anger among fans. Spectators who had paid significant sums, ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000, for tickets were unable to get a clear view of the Argentine football icon. Messi's appearance lasted only about 20 minutes, further fueling the crowd's frustration.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stadium was overcrowded, and a significant number of VIPs and officials surrounded Messi, obstructing the view for সাধারণ fans. This led to protests, vandalism, and a disruption of public order, with fans throwing bottles and chairs, and damaging stadium property. Police resorted to lathi charge to control the situation.
BJP's Response
The BJP has reacted strongly, holding the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, led by Mamata Banerjee, directly responsible for the fiasco. BJP leaders have described the event as a "total embarrassment" and a "criminal assault on West Bengal's pride".
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, has been particularly vocal, demanding Mamata Banerjee's resignation and calling for a complete refund for all ticket holders. He has also sought the resignation of Sports Minister Arup Biswas and Fire Minister Sujit Bose, as well as the arrest of the event organizer, Shatadru Dutta. Dutta was later arrested by the police.
Adhikari has also written to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, requesting an independent judicial inquiry into the incident, alleging "administrative incompetence" and "public humiliation of citizens". He criticized the conversion of the stadium, built with public funds, into a "private durbar" for the political elite, which resulted in the harassment of সাধারণ spectators.
Other BJP leaders have echoed these sentiments, with some accusing the TMC government of corruption and exploiting fans emotionally and financially. They allege that the event was turned into a political spectacle, with TMC leaders prioritizing photo opportunities over public safety and удобство.
Mamata Banerjee's Apology and Inquiry
In response to the widespread criticism, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologized for the "mismanagement" of the event. She expressed her shock and announced a high-level inquiry, to be led by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, to investigate the incident and fix responsibility.
TMC's Response
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has attempted to distance itself from the controversy, placing the blame on the private organizers of the event. The party stated that while the state government provided the necessary permissions, the responsibility for on-ground arrangements, ticketing, and crowd management rested entirely with the organizers. The TMC has assured that stern action will be taken against those responsible for the failures.
AIFF's Statement
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has stated that no clearance was sought from the federation for the event, and the details were not communicated to them.
The controversy surrounding the Messi event in Kolkata continues to escalate, with the BJP intensifying its attacks on Mamata Banerjee and the TMC government. The incident has raised questions about the организацию of крупномасштабных мероприятий in the state and the accountability of those in charge.
