Chaos at Lionel Messi's Kolkata Event: BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee for "Complete Mismanagement"

Kolkata:

The BJP launched scathing criticism against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool party following chaotic scenes during Lionel Messi's appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, citing "complete mismanagement" of the high-profile event.

Disorder erupted when frustrated fans breached security protocols, throwing chairs and bottles after being unable to see the football superstar during his brief 30-minute stadium appearance, creating a nightmare scenario for event organizers.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari described the situation as a "total embarrassment," alleging "zero planning" and inadequate security measures for the global icon's visit to Kolkata.

The incident saw thousands of eager fans unable to glimpse Messi while, according to BJP claims, "inept TMC leaders" surrounded him instead. Bhandari added: "A global legend, a massive public turnout, and yet zero planning. A total embarrassment on an international stage. Mamata can't even organize or manage an event."

Chief Minister Banerjee has since apologized to Messi and disappointed fans, announcing an investigation to be conducted by a former judge.

Messi, who arrived in Kolkata early morning for the first leg of his three-day India tour, had unveiled a statue of himself before proceeding to Salt Lake Stadium where expectant fans had gathered.

Many attendees, despite paying between Rs 3,500 and Rs 14,000 for tickets, were unable to see the footballer – a situation the BJP blamed on Trinamool leaders allegedly surrounding the player.

The frustration eventually boiled over into violence, with hundreds of fans storming the ground, some throwing bottles and chairs, and damaging stadium infrastructure as police struggled to maintain order. As the situation deteriorated, Messi was quickly evacuated by the 'GOAT tour' organizers, including promoter Shatadru Dutta.

Due to the escalating chaos, planned appearances by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Banerjee were canceled.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala alleged "sheer mismanagement" and political opportunism by the Trinamool Congress, stating: "TMC leaders surrounded him, and fans were denied! Messi had to leave asap! What if something would have happened to fans or the guest? This was like what we say in Bengaluru stampede where many lost lives."

Amit Malviya, BJP's IT cell chief, called the incident a "huge disgrace" that would remain in historical records permanently and demanded the state sports minister's resignation: "For bringing an international player like Messi to West Bengal, playing with the emotions of ordinary people, and pushing them towards such serious risk, the State Sports Minister, Aroop Biswas, must resign immediately."

The Trinamool Congress attempted to defend itself by shifting blame to the event organizers. Party leader Kunal Ghosh questioned: "Why wasn't Messi kept alone ahead during the stadium lap? Why were the gallery spectators deprived? Did this enhance Kolkata's reputation? Why didn't the incompetent organizers leave even a mark of minimal planning? Just money? Just business? Because of these organizers and some hooligans, everyone was deprived. Kolkata was shamed. The spectators' anger is justified."