The BJP has strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi’s visit. Leaders accused the state government of gross mismanagement, demanding accountability and punishment for those responsible. The incident saw fans protesting, leading to vandalism and a police baton charge, with many ticket holders unable to see the football star. Photo credit: IANS BJP on Sunday stepped up its attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the chaos and vandalism at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium following Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s appearance, accusing the state government of gross mismanagement and demanding accountability.Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said chief minister Mamata Banerjee must take responsibility for the incident, calling it ‘deeply shameful’ for West Bengal. “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should take responsibility; merely apologising will not be enough. Those who came there after spending money should be compensated. Everyone responsible must be punished, and legal action should be taken whether it is the police, officials, or the ministers who were present on the dais. All of them should face legal proceedings,” he said.The fresh remark followed BJP leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s criticism of the state government, in which he accused it of mismanagement and made three demands, including Banerjee’s resignation. In a post on X, Adhikari wrote, “Shame on you, Mamata Banerjee! The ‘Khela Hobe’ Circus turns into a TMC loot-fest at Yuva Bharati! What a pathetic spectacle in Kolkata today!”He alleged that while senior Trinamool Congress leaders and their associates surrounded Messi, ordinary fans were left disappointed. “While Arup Biswas, Sujit Bose, and their bootlicking entourage of 100+ VIP vultures swarmed Messi like leeches on a bloodbath, the real fans? Stuck in galleries, staring at a measly 5–7 minutes on a giant screen! No direct view, just betrayal,” he said.Adhikari also accused organisers and the administration of exploiting spectators. “Water bottles banned inside, forcing desperate fans to cough up ₹200 for a ₹20 bottle? Classic TMC extortion racket!” he wrote, calling the episode a “criminal assault on West Bengal’s pride”.Meanwhile, BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said at a press conference that the incident had “ashamed every Indian”. Referring to Banerjee’s post expressing distress, he said, “It is West Bengal which is deeply devastated under your rule… This shows the tragic situation the state has reached.”What led to the chaos at Salt Lake StadiumBJP leaders’ remarks came after chaos erupted at the stadium when thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear view of Messi during the much-publicised event. Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived around 11.30 am but remained tightly cordoned off by security and VIPs. His brief appearance and early exit sparked anger, leading to slogan-shouting, vandalism and a police baton charge. What was scheduled to be a nearly two-hour programme was cut to under 30 minutes, with many ticket-holders, including those who paid premium prices, complaining they could not see Messi at all. The presence of politicians and dignitaries occupying key areas further limited visibility, adding to the sense of exclusion among fans.Outside the stadium, disgruntled supporters told the media that Messi had remained on the field only briefly before being escorted away for safety reasons. The unrest contrasted with the earlier mood in the city, where Messi had virtually unveiled a 70-foot iron statue of himself holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club. a moment that drew widespread admiration.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAssam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams VIP Culture After Messi Event Chaos in West BengalMessi Lights Up Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai Ahead of Fan Meet, City Excited to Greet Star”Very Disappointing” Former Captain Bhutia Criticises VIP Mismanagement at Messi Show‘Truly Historic’: PM Modi’s Jordan Visit to Mark 75 Years of Diplomatic TiesCongress Questions BJP’s Renaming Of MGNREGA, Hits Out At Gandhi HatredMessi Event Chaos In Kolkata Triggers BJP Attack On Mamata Over Law Order And MismanagementMessi Event Chaos In Kolkata: Bengal Police Detain Organiser, Refunds Announced‘Namaste Trump’ Era Is Over As India–US Relations Turn Fragile Over Tariffs, Says Jairam RameshHouse Democrats Push To Scrap Donald Trump’s India Tariffs As Congress Challenges Emergency PowersMessi’s Kolkata Visit Turns Chaotic As Angry Fans Vandalise Banners At Salt Lake Stadium123Photostories7-day easy-to-make breakfast recipes for weight loss5 Indian flowers that fill the winter wonderland with a dash of coloursNike Air Jordan 1 to Adidas Yeezy: The 5 best-selling and most desired sneaker pairs of all timesEarly signs of metabolic syndrome most people miss: How to reverse themKohinoor and 5 other legendary diamonds every diamond lover should know aboutLow on Energy? 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BJP on Sunday stepped up its attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the chaos and vandalism at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium following Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s appearance, accusing the state government of gross mismanagement and demanding accountability.Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said chief minister Mamata Banerjee must take responsibility for the incident, calling it ‘deeply shameful’ for West Bengal. “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should take responsibility; merely apologising will not be enough. Those who came there after spending money should be compensated. Everyone responsible must be punished, and legal action should be taken whether it is the police, officials, or the ministers who were present on the dais. All of them should face legal proceedings,” he said.The fresh remark followed BJP leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s criticism of the state government, in which he accused it of mismanagement and made three demands, including Banerjee’s resignation. In a post on X, Adhikari wrote, “Shame on you, Mamata Banerjee! The ‘Khela Hobe’ Circus turns into a TMC loot-fest at Yuva Bharati! What a pathetic spectacle in Kolkata today!”He alleged that while senior Trinamool Congress leaders and their associates surrounded Messi, ordinary fans were left disappointed. “While Arup Biswas, Sujit Bose, and their bootlicking entourage of 100+ VIP vultures swarmed Messi like leeches on a bloodbath, the real fans? Stuck in galleries, staring at a measly 5–7 minutes on a giant screen! No direct view, just betrayal,” he said.Adhikari also accused organisers and the administration of exploiting spectators. “Water bottles banned inside, forcing desperate fans to cough up ₹200 for a ₹20 bottle? Classic TMC extortion racket!” he wrote, calling the episode a “criminal assault on West Bengal’s pride”.Meanwhile, BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said at a press conference that the incident had “ashamed every Indian”. Referring to Banerjee’s post expressing distress, he said, “It is West Bengal which is deeply devastated under your rule… This shows the tragic situation the state has reached.”
What led to the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium
BJP leaders’ remarks came after chaos erupted at the stadium when thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear view of Messi during the much-publicised event. Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived around 11.30 am but remained tightly cordoned off by security and VIPs. His brief appearance and early exit sparked anger, leading to slogan-shouting, vandalism and a police baton charge. What was scheduled to be a nearly two-hour programme was cut to under 30 minutes, with many ticket-holders, including those who paid premium prices, complaining they could not see Messi at all. The presence of politicians and dignitaries occupying key areas further limited visibility, adding to the sense of exclusion among fans.Outside the stadium, disgruntled supporters told the media that Messi had remained on the field only briefly before being escorted away for safety reasons. The unrest contrasted with the earlier mood in the city, where Messi had virtually unveiled a 70-foot iron statue of himself holding the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club. a moment that drew widespread admiration.
