Kolkata : A political showdown has erupted in West Bengal as the BJP launched a scathing attack on the state government after fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T tour in India. While the BJP and the Congress held the Trinamool government responsible for the ruckus, the ruling party distanced itself from the series of events at the iconic football stadium, saying the programme was organised by a private agency.
Tagging Mamata Banerjee’s tweets in which she expressed regret over the ugly scenes that were witnessed, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya launched an all-out attack on her and the state government. “Stop shedding crocodile tears. This mismanagement and corruption are endemic to everything your government does. Amit Malviya also stated that immediate action must be taken to fix responsibility and obtain the resignations of those at fault.
An event promoted as a grand spectacle for football fans turned chaotic after Messi exited the field within 10 minutes, sparking outrage among spectators. Fans who had paid high ticket prices protested inside the stadium, accusing organisers of mismanagement and broken promises. Eyewitnesses reported bottles being thrown, hoardings damaged, and security stepping in to control the situation.
Messi and other VVIPs were escorted out amid tight security, leaving many fans disappointed, as videos of the unrest later circulated online. Calling it a major embarrassment for Kolkata, Amit Malviya said the incident would be remembered in history. He alleged Messi was brought for political motives after a 70-foot statue was installed, and people were misled into buying tickets priced between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000.
Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar also said the state’s administrative system has failed, and the government has lost control. He added that the mismanagement during the visit of a global football icon has damaged Bengal’s image worldwide, and insisted that the government and the sports ministry must be held accountable. Meanwhile, Trinamool spokesperson Tauseef Rehman said the Trinamool Congress had no role in the event, claiming it was organised by a private company.
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