Short Description
Chaos erupted during Messi’s appearance in Kolkata, prompting TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee to defend West Bengal’s government amid criticism over event management.
Read Time
Approximately 4 minutes.
Main Article
In a high-profile event that was meant to celebrate football legend Lionel Messi, chaos reigned at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, overshadowing the festivities. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee quickly defended the West Bengal government’s handling of the situation amid growing frustration among fans who felt let down by poor event management. Banerjee highlighted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took immediate accountability, issuing an apology just an hour after the incident, contrasting it with past events in BJP-ruled states that went without acknowledgment of their shortcomings.
During Messi’s Kolkata appearance, part of his GOAT Tour 2025, anger erupted as numerous VIPs and politicians crowded around the football icon, effectively sidelining fans who had paid to catch a glimpse of their idol. Reports of vandalism and discontent emerged from numerous attendees, who expressed their disappointment over the lack of visibility during an event they anticipated for months. Despite being a much-celebrated occasion in a football-loving state, the disarray fueled allegations of mismanagement, pointing fingers at bureaucratic neglect and failed coordination among stakeholders.
In response to the chaos, Sports Minister Aroop Biswas tendered his resignation, which was promptly accepted by the Chief Minister. Furthermore, the government established a Special Investigation Team to delve into the event’s mismanagement. This team’s responsibilities include probing the reasons behind the incident, with particular focus on Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned to clarify the lapses in event coordination. The high-profile nature of the event and its repercussions have ignited a spirited discussion on accountability in politics and event management, especially in light of past tragedies at large gatherings.
The fallout from this incident has garnered increased scrutiny of the Trinamool Congress government’s capacity to manage large-scale events effectively. Banerjee’s remarks on the contrasting accountability standards between BJP-ruled states and West Bengal emphasize the ongoing political rivalry and the high stakes involved in public safety. Fans and media alike are closely watching how the government addresses these concerns in the coming days.
Short Summary
The chaos during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata event has ignited political accountability discussions. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee defends the West Bengal government’s rapid response, contrasting it with past failures in BJP-ruled states. The establishment of a Special Investigation Team signifies the government’s commitment to resolving the matter and restoring public trust.
