Himanta Sarma Demands Mamata Banerjee's Arrest Following Chaos at Messi's Kolkata Event

Himanta Sarma stated that the incident should prompt introspection by Mamata Banerjee.

Mumbai (Maharashtra):

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing critique of the West Bengal government on Saturday regarding the chaotic scenes during football superstar Lionel Messi's Kolkata appearance. He alleged a "complete breakdown of law and order" in the state and pointed to what he described as an excessive VIP culture that ultimately ruined the event.

Discussing the disorder that marred Messi's Kolkata segment of the 'GOAT Tour 2025', Sarma emphasized that accountability must start from the top. "The State's Home Minister, who is also the Chief Minister, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner should have been arrested," he declared, while clarifying that he was neither justifying nor opposing the arrest of the event organizer. He firmly stated, "First responsibility goes to the home minister of the state and the police commissioner."

Sarma contrasted the situation with successful large-scale public events in other states to highlight West Bengal's crowd management failures. "After Zubeen Garg's death, approximately 10 lakh people filled Guwahati's roads for three days without any mishaps reported. Post Malone's function happened here peacefully with around 50,000 attendees and no incidents. In Mumbai, the Women's World Cup final was conducted smoothly," he observed. "But West Bengal remains a state where nothing is predictable. The VIP culture there has reached extreme levels."

The Assam Chief Minister further suggested that this incident should cause the state leadership to reflect deeply. "Messi is a global idol. Mamata Banerjee should introspect. Innocent people face atrocities daily in Bengal. This is deeply concerning," he remarked.

Messi's highly anticipated Kolkata appearance descended into chaos after fans claimed that VIPs and politicians on the pitch prevented them from properly seeing the World Cup-winning superstar, despite having purchased tickets. The situation deteriorated after Messi departed the venue early, sparking protests, slogan-shouting, and vandalism inside Salt Lake Stadium.

Reports indicated that enraged fans threw plastic bottles and chairs onto the pitch, damaged tents and a goalpost, with some breaching security barriers. Police were forced to use mild force to disperse the crowd. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose later confirmed that the event organizer had been arrested, while opposition parties held the Trinamool Congress government responsible for alleged mismanagement.