Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi’s event has triggered a fierce political war in Bengal. Apologies, allegations, demands for probes and claims of sabotage have turned a football celebration into a full-blown political storm.
Messi had to leave the venue within 20 minutes of his arrival
Kolkata: A major political controversy broke out in West Bengal after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in Bidhannagar during an event featuring Argentine football legend Lionel Messi. What was expected to be a celebratory occasion for football fans quickly spiralled into disorder as an uncontrollable crowd situation disrupted the programme, prompting sharp reactions from political parties across the state.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the incident and apologised publicly to Messi and football enthusiasts. Taking to social media platform X, Banerjee said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement at the stadium. She stated that she was on her way to the venue when the chaos unfolded and acknowledged the disappointment faced by fans who had gathered in large numbers.
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To investigate the matter, the chief minister announced the formation of a three-member enquiry committee headed by retired judge Justice Ashik Kumar Ray. The panel has been tasked with identifying lapses and fixing responsibility for the disorder.
I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. 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…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) squarely blamed the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government and the police for the failure. Union minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar said the incident robbed Bengal of a proud moment and accused TMC leaders of attempting to hijack the event for political mileage. He also criticised the police for what he described as a lack of professionalism in crowd management.
The ruling TMC distanced itself from the controversy, claiming the organisers were responsible for the mismanagement. Party spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya said the state government had no direct role in organising the event and that Sports Minister Aroop Biswas attended only as an invited guest.
Bhattacharya further alleged that certain individuals inside the stadium were seen vandalising property while carrying saffron flags and raising “Jai Shri Ram” slogans. He suggested the possibility of deliberate attempts to malign the state and said these allegations should also be examined by the enquiry committee.
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The Congress party also criticised the state government, demanding accountability from the administration. Congress leader Suman Roy Chaudhuri questioned the presence of the sports minister at the event and accused TMC leaders of prioritising photo opportunities over public safety. He held the government and police responsible for granting permission without ensuring proper arrangements.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wrote to Governor C V Ananda Bose, seeking an independent probe led by a Calcutta High Court judge. Calling the state-appointed enquiry committee compromised, Adhikari urged impartial investigation.
Responding swiftly, Governor Bose visited the stadium and demanded explanations from authorities, stating that serious irregularities would be exposed.
