Mamata Banerjee Steps Up Damage Control in Messi Kolkata Event Fallout
Messi Kolkata event chaos turns political flashpoint; Mamata apologises and orders inquiry ahead of elections.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing intense scrutiny after Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated Kolkata event descended into chaos on December 13. Thousands of fans, who had paid steep ticket prices, were unable to see the football legend due to crowd mismanagement and VIP blockades, leading to vandalism and security breaches at Salt Lake Stadium.
The incident, which saw Messi leaving the venue within ten minutes, has sparked widespread criticism across social media, with videos of the chaos circulating nationwide. Opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused Banerjee’s government of “criminal mismanagement” and of failing to protect the interests of ordinary citizens.
In response, Mamata Banerjee issued an unconditional apology to Messi and his fans, expressing shock at the mishandling. She announced a judicial inquiry, led by a retired Justice, to determine accountability and recommend preventive measures. Authorities have served show-cause notices to the state’s Director-General of Police and the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, while suspending the Bidhannagar Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Also Read: Messi's India Tour Hits Roadblock – Mamata Banerjee Steps In with Probe Team
The state government has also established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident based on the inquiry committee’s recommendations. Critics, however, have labelled these actions as a politically timed attempt at damage control, especially with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) seeking a fourth consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Messi fiasco comes amid multiple challenges facing Banerjee’s government, including intra-party disputes, alleged corruption scandals such as the teacher recruitment scam, and high-profile criminal cases. The Opposition has leveraged the event to reinforce narratives of elitism, administrative failure, and disregard for ordinary citizens.
Political analysts suggest the incident could influence key urban middle-class voters in Kolkata and its suburbs, many of whom idolise Messi and had heavily invested in attending the event. The BJP is expected to capitalise on the fallout, framing it as a broader critique of law and order and public service failures under the TMC administration.
Also Read: West Bengal Governor Demands Explanation Over Messi Ticket Prices and Arrangements
