Messi in Kolkata: A Dream Turned Into a Political Nightmare
The historic visit of footballing icon Lionel Messi to Kolkata was intended to be a milestone for Indian sports, but it has instead devolved into a massive political firestorm. While fans expected magic on the field, the aftermath at the Salt Lake Stadium has triggered a fierce confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has leveled explosive allegations against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming a failed attempt to politicize the legend’s visit.
Table of Contents
⚽ The ‘Khela Hobe’ Controversy: Suvendu Adhikari’s Explosive Claim 🗣️
In the wake of the unrest at the Salt Lake Stadium, Suvendu Adhikari has made a sensational claim that has rocked the political landscape of West Bengal. According to the BJP leader, the state government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attempted to use Lionel Messi as a political tool.
Adhikari alleged that there were concerted efforts to make the Argentine World Cup winner utter the TMC’s famous political slogan, “Khela Hobe” (The Game is On). Adhikari remarked, “The Chief Minister tried to make Messi say ‘Khela Hobe,’ but instead, the ‘game’ has turned against her.”
This statement suggests that the administration was more focused on the branding and political optics of the event rather than the logistical safety of the thousands of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their idol. The BJP maintains that the embarrassment caused by the mismanagement of an international star of Messi’s stature has tarnished the reputation of West Bengal globally.
🚔 Police Brutality or Crowd Control? The Crackdown on Fans 🛡️
One of the most contentious aspects of the Messi event was the police intervention following the crowd’s outburst. As the event management reportedly failed to meet expectations, and Messi departed the venue earlier than some fans anticipated, the atmosphere turned volatile.
The Surge of Anger
Fans who had paid exorbitant prices for tickets felt cheated. Reports indicate that:
- Attendees in high-priced stands began throwing bottles onto the pitch.
- Frustrated spectators attempted to break down the gates separating the stands.
- A section of the crowd tried to storm the ground to reach the tents and goalposts.
Suvendu Adhikari Questions Arrests
Suvendu Adhikari has taken a firm stand against the West Bengal Police’s handling of the situation. He questioned why young football enthusiasts were being treated like criminals.
“Why are the spectators being arrested? You have played with the emotions of the youth,” Adhikari stated. He further revealed that he has instructed his legal team to approach the court to stay the FIRs and prevent further arrests of “innocent fans” who were merely reacting to poor management.
🏛️ Judicial Intervention: Justice Ashim Kumar Roy Inspects the Venue ⚖️
The gravity of the Salt Lake Stadium chaos has reached the corridors of the Calcutta High Court. Retired Justice Ashim Kumar Roy visited the stadium on Sunday to conduct a first-hand assessment of the damage and the security lapses that occurred during the event.
A specialized committee has been tasked with investigating the following:
- Ticket Over-selling: Were more tickets sold than the stadium’s capacity?
- Security Protocols: Why were the gates easily breached by the crowd?
- Management Conduct: Did the organizers provide the facilities promised to high-value ticket holders?
Justice Roy assured the public that a comprehensive report would be submitted soon, which will likely determine the legal liabilities of the organizers and the state sports department.
💥 Dilip Ghosh Slams “Anarchy” in West Bengal 🚩
Joining the chorus of criticism, senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh lashed out at the TMC government, describing the current state of affairs in West Bengal as “total anarchy.” Speaking to the media, Ghosh argued that the chaos at the Messi event is a symptom of a much deeper systemic failure within the ruling party.
Allegations of Institutional Rot
Ghosh claimed that the Trinamool Congress has been “infiltrated by anti-social and anti-national elements.” He listed several grievances:
- Politicization of Sports: The claim that even an international sporting event cannot escape the TMC’s political agenda.
- Corruption: Allegations that the primary motive behind such events is “money-making and power-grabbing.”
- Global Embarrassment: The argument that the mismanagement has brought shame to India on the international stage.
“As long as this government remains in power, there will be no improvement in the state’s condition,” Ghosh concluded, emphasizing that the Salt Lake incident is a warning sign for future international collaborations.
🏟️ Management Failure: What Really Happened at Salt Lake Stadium? 📉
To understand the scale of the disaster, one must look at the logistical breakdown during the event. Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is one of the largest stadiums in the world, yet it failed to handle the “Messi Mania.”
📋 Key Lapses Identified:
- Premature Exit: Fans were led to believe Messi would spend a specific amount of time on the field. His early departure triggered immediate resentment.
- Lack of Communication: There were no clear announcements regarding the schedule, leaving thousands in the dark.
- Structural Failures: The “breaking of gates” suggests that the physical barriers were either insufficient or not properly manned by trained security personnel.
- VVIP Bias: While ministers and TMC leaders were reportedly given “protection” and prime access, the common taxpayers and fans were left to face the baton of the police.
🗺️ The Political Geography of the Conflict 📍
The battle over the Messi event is not just about football; it is about the control of Kolkata’s cultural and social narrative. For the TMC, hosting Messi was supposed to be a “crown jewel” in their “Biswa Bangla” (Global Bengal) campaign. For the BJP, the failure of the event is a perfect example of what they call the “failed state” model of the current administration.
| Aspect | BJP Allegation | TMC Response (General Stand) |
| Event Goal | Political branding of ‘Khela Hobe’ | Promotion of sports and global culture |
| Police Action | Torture of innocent youth | Necessary crowd control for safety |
| Reason for Chaos | Greed and mismanagement | Unforeseen emotional outburst of fans |
| Outcome | International Disgrace | A minor incident blown out of proportion |
🧐 Deep Dive: The History of ‘Khela Hobe’ and Its Misuse 🎤
The phrase “Khela Hobe” originated during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. While it started as a slogan for political competition, it has often been associated with post-poll violence and aggressive campaigning.
Suvendu Adhikari’s claim that the CM tried to force this phrase upon Messi is a heavy political blow. If true, it suggests a lack of diplomatic tact; if false, it highlights the extreme polarization where even a football match becomes a battlefield for narratives.
The “Anti-Social” Element Claim
Dilip Ghosh’s mention of “anti-social elements” refers to the local “syndicates” that the BJP alleges run West Bengal. The claim is that these syndicates were involved in the ticketing and security of the Messi event, leading to the eventual breakdown of order.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1: What happened at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata?
A1: The event at Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic after fans, frustrated by poor management and Messi’s early departure, began vandalizing the stadium and clashing with police.
Q2: What did Suvendu Adhikari say about Mamata Banerjee and Messi?
A2: Adhikari claimed that the Chief Minister tried to make Messi say the political slogan “Khela Hobe,” but the event failed, and the “game” turned against her government instead.
Q3: Why were fans arrested at the Salt Lake Stadium?
A3: Police arrested several fans for allegedly breaking stadium gates, throwing bottles, and attempting to storm the field after the event.
Q4: Is there an official inquiry into the Messi event chaos?
A4: Yes, the Calcutta High Court’s retired Justice Ashim Kumar Roy has visited the stadium and a committee is investigating the security and management lapses.
Q5: What was the reaction of BJP leader Dilip Ghosh?
A5: Dilip Ghosh described the situation as “anarchy” and accused the TMC of politicizing a major international event for personal gain and power.
📝 Conclusion: A Stain on the City of Joy
The Messi event was supposed to be a celebration of the “City of Joy’s” undying love for football. Instead, it has become a symbol of political opportunism and administrative failure. The allegations by Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh have put the Mamata Banerjee government on the defensive, especially regarding the treatment of fans and the attempt to inject politics into sports.
As the High Court committee prepares its report, the people of Bengal are left wondering if they will ever be able to host international legends without the shadow of political controversy looming over the stadium. For now, the “Khela” continues, not on the football pitch, but in the corridors of power.
External Source: Patrika Report
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