Political Tension Erupts Following Messi's Chaotic Kolkata Visit: TMC Questions "Saffron" Presence at Stadium Incident

A "Saffron" Twist To Messi Chaos As Mamata Banerjee's Party Targets BJP

Following the chaotic scenes at Kolkata stadium after Lionel Messi's brief appearance, the ruling Trinamool Congress has raised questions about whether the unfortunate events were "pre-planned," while specifically highlighting the presence of saffron flags at the event.

Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh expressed to ANI that the incident was "very unfortunate" and should never have occurred. He explained that fans were frustrated because Messi was heavily surrounded, preventing most from even glimpsing the football star. Ghosh emphasized that the event was organized by a private entity, not the state government, making proper arrangements the organizer's responsibility.

Ghosh noted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued apologies to both Messi and sports enthusiasts for the disappointing scenes. A committee under a retired judge's leadership has been formed to investigate the matter. However, Ghosh raised pointed questions about certain attendees: "Why were some people there chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' with a saffron flag? Why were they misusing the emotions of football fans, and were they involved in vandalism? Was this pre-planned?"

Trinamool spokesperson Riju Dutta similarly questioned the appearance of saffron flags, asking about the correlation between "Messi" and "Ram." He suggested that a "pre-planned conspiracy to defame Bengal was executed perfectly," comparing the scenes to incidents in Bangladesh. Dutta claimed the vandals weren't genuine football or Messi fans but rather a mob that raised religious slogans, waved saffron flags, and damaged stadium property specifically to tarnish Bengal's image.

The Kolkata leg of Messi's GOAT India tour gained attention for all the wrong reasons when frustrated fans, who had purchased expensive tickets, vandalized the stadium after being unable to properly see the football legend. Fans complained that politicians and event organizers surrounded Messi, blocking their view. After his departure, angry spectators attempted to enter the playing field, requiring police intervention to restore order.

The Trinamool Congress faced criticism as its leaders were seen conversing with and photographing Messi while ordinary fans in the stands struggled to catch a glimpse of their idol.

Chief Minister Banerjee expressed being "deeply disturbed and shocked" by the mismanagement. In a statement on X, she explained, "I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident."

While Trinamool maintains this was not a state government event, the BJP has placed the blame squarely on the ruling party. A BJP spokesperson stated, "Today, the TMC has become a symbol of complete mismanagement and chaos. A great player like Messi came to India, and his entire event at the Kolkata stadium was ruined. The TMC is entirely responsible for this. The administration, police, and security were nowhere to be seen. I have been told that tickets were even being sold on the black market. If a stampede like the one in Bengaluru had occurred there, who would have been responsible?"