'Mere apology not enough’: BJP targets Mamata over chaos at Messi event in Kolkata; demands legal action

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.
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