Abhishek Banerjee Defends WB Govt Response to Messi Event Unrest
Abhishek Banerjee defends state response to stadium vandalism.
In a firm defence of the West Bengal government's handling of the recent unrest during an event featuring global football icon Lionel Messi, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee asserted on Tuesday that decisive actions were taken promptly, noting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally extended an apology to the public within an hour of the incident's occurrence.
Addressing media personnel within the Parliament complex, Banerjee detailed the array of measures implemented, including the acceptance of the sports minister's resignation, the issuance of show-cause notices to the Director General of Police along with other high-ranking officials, and the immediate suspension of a deputy commissioner, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to accountability across administrative levels.
He further elaborated that disciplinary proceedings have been launched against every individual identified as responsible, encompassing police personnel on duty, senior stadium management authorities, and relevant ministerial figures, in direct response to the widespread vandalism that inflicted an estimated Rs two crore in damages following spectators' outrage over Messi's unexpected early exit from the field on December 13.
Also Read: #JUSTIN: Bengal Sports Minister Resigns Over Chaos at Messi Event in Kolkata
Banerjee drew pointed comparisons with tragic crowd-related incidents under administrations led by opposing political parties, inquiring whether similar demands for accountability or public apologies had been directed towards leaders following loss of life at events such as the Kumbh Mela or the stampede at New Delhi railway station, highlighting what he perceived as selective scrutiny.
On a separate matter concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Banerjee voiced reservations regarding the execution of the process but reassured that the ongoing exercise does not constitute the definitive voter list, indicating potential for further refinements in the interests of accuracy and fairness.
Also Read: EC Uploads List of Deleted Voters in West Bengal Hours Before Draft Roll Release
