Suvendu Adhikari alleges mismanagement and VIP culture
Reacting to the disorder at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Adhikari took to X to criticise the Trinamool Congress government, claiming that genuine football fans were sidelined while political leaders enjoyed privileged access.
Read more: CM Mamata Banerjee apologises after fan create chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium
He alleged that senior TMC leaders and their associates crowded around Messi, leaving thousands of ticket-buying spectators disappointed. According to Adhikari, many fans paid hefty sums only to catch a fleeting glimpse of the footballer on the stadium’s giant screens, rather than seeing him in person.
Claims of exploitation and poor crowd handling
Adhikari further accused the organisers and the state administration of exploiting spectators, alleging that restrictions on carrying water inside the stadium forced fans to purchase bottles at inflated prices. He described the event as a political spectacle rather than a celebration of football, claiming it damaged West Bengal’s image.
Read more: Chaos during Messi’s India visit, what really happened at Salt Lake Stadium
Calling the episode more than mere mismanagement, the BJP leader said it reflected a failure to respect the passion of football-loving Bengalis.
BJP lists three demands, including chief minister’s resignation
Listing his demands, Adhikari called for a full refund to all gallery ticket holders, immediate arrests of those responsible for organising the event, and the resignation of Mamata Banerjee. He argued that the chaos had embarrassed the state on an international platform.
What triggered the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium
The controversy erupted after Messi arrived at the stadium around 11.30 am, accompanied by fellow footballers Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. His appearance was brief, and he remained surrounded by tight security and VIPs. Many spectators complained that they could not see him clearly, sparking protests inside the stadium.
As tempers flared, incidents of vandalism were reported, slogans were raised, and police were forced to resort to a baton charge to control the situation.
Mamata Banerjee orders enquiry, apologises to fans
Following the backlash, Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the mismanagement and announced a high-level enquiry. In a post on X, she apologised to Messi and football fans, stating that she was deeply disturbed by what transpired at the stadium.
The chief minister said a committee headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray would investigate the incident, identify those responsible and suggest corrective measures.
Governor criticises organisers, calls incident shameful
West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose also criticised the episode, describing it as a dark moment for Kolkata’s sporting culture. He called for strict action against those responsible for the chaos.
With ticket prices reportedly ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000, many fans said they had spent significant amounts only to leave the venue disappointed and angry.
Political row intensifies over Messi event fallout
The incident has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, with the BJP accusing the Trinamool Congress of turning a high-profile sporting event into a poorly managed affair. While the state government has promised accountability through a formal probe, opposition leaders continue to press for resignations and legal action.
As investigations begin, the focus remains on whether organisers and authorities can restore public trust and ensure such scenes are not repeated at future international events in the city.
Inputs from agencies