The chaos that erupted at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Saturday during the visit of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has now taken a sharp political turn, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari issuing a conditional promise to bring the global icon back to Kolkata if the BJP is voted to power in West Bengal.
Seizing upon the controversy, Adhikari launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the event, planned as a grand “Khela Hobe” spectacle, had instead turned into an administrative failure.
“Mamata Banerjee wanted to bring Messi and stage a ‘Khela Hobe’ event. Instead, it has become a complete fiasco,” Adhikari said. He went on to make a direct promise to the people of Bengal, stating, “If the BJP comes to power, we will bring Messi back to Kolkata. Then we will show what a real game looks like.”
Adhikari further claimed that the smooth conduct of Messi-related events in Hyderabad and Mumbai was due to the absence of West Bengal’s political leadership, alleging that neither Mamata nor Sports Minister Arup Biswas was present there. He also accused the state police of involvement in extortion, a charge the government has denied.
What was expected to be a historic moment for football-loving Bengalis turned into widespread disappointment as spectators, who had paid exorbitant prices for tickets, failed to even catch a glimpse of Messi on Saturday. The situation deteriorated due to what many described as an undignified scramble by leaders, ministers, organisers, and influential figures to get close to the footballer for photographs and personal access.
At around 11:30 am, Messi’s Audi Q7 arrived near the athletic track between galleries four and five at Yuva Bharati. As he stepped out of the vehicle, he was immediately surrounded by nearly a hundred people, including organisers, political leaders, ministers, and their associates. The group soon swelled to around two hundred, leading to intense pushing, jostling, and a frantic rush for photographs.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the state’s Sports Minister remained constantly close to Messi, further intensifying the crowding. As the movement continued, frustration among spectators in the galleries escalated, eventually spiralling into chaos.
All responsibility for the mismanagement has officially been pinned on event organiser Shatadru Dutta, who is currently in 14-day police custody. However, questions have been raised about administrative lapses, especially since similar events organised by Dutta in Hyderabad and Mumbai reportedly concluded without incident.
Sources said the Sports Minister had sensed possible mismanagement a day earlier and spent several hours at Yuva Bharati on Friday reviewing the event schedule with organisers. Dutta, however, was reportedly absent during these discussions.
As public anger over the mishandling of the event simmers, the controversy has become a fresh flashpoint in Bengal’s political battle. While investigations into the mismanagement continue, Adhikari’s statement and promise have added an electoral dimension to an incident that has already left fans disillusioned and the state administration under scrutiny.
Also read: Suvendu leads 'Shourya Yatra', urges for Hindu unity
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