**Title:** Mamata Banerjee Apologizes for Messi Event Chaos in Kolkata
**Meta Description:** West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses shock over mismanagement during Lionel Messi’s event, apologizing to fans and announcing an inquiry.
**URL Slug:** mamata-banerjee-messi-event-chaos-kolkata
**Headline:** Mamata Banerjee Expresses Shock and Apology Over Messi Event Mismanagement in Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep concern and shock regarding the mismanagement that occurred at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium during an event featuring football legend Lionel Messi. Following chaos that erupted after Messi’s brief appearance, Banerjee took to social media to apologize to the Argentine star and the football fans present at the venue.
On Friday, as Banerjee was en route to the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan, she received reports of disorder and unrest among the crowd. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” she stated. “I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
In response to the chaos, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee led by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray. The committee will include the state’s Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) as members. Their mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation, determine accountability, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident drew immediate criticism from the BJP’s West Bengal unit, which accused the Trinamool government of mismanagement and claimed it has undermined Bengal’s rich football culture. In a post on social media, the BJP referenced a famous Bengali song that highlights the significance of football in the region, suggesting that the current administration has destroyed this cultural heritage. They questioned whether the mismanagement was part of a broader conspiracy to diminish Bengali identity, including its passion for football.
Amit Malviya, the BJP’s national IT chief, labeled the event a “huge disgrace” and a “major scam,” alleging that Messi’s visit was politically motivated. He criticized the event’s organization, stating that ticket holders, who paid between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000, were misled. Malviya noted that due to poor management, Messi was unable to stay for the program and was quickly taken away, leading to unrest among fans who vandalized property in frustration.
What was intended to be a highlight for football enthusiasts quickly devolved into chaos after Messi departed the field in under ten minutes, igniting anger among attendees. Supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with the event’s planning and execution, leading to protests within the stadium.
In conclusion, the mismanagement of the event featuring Lionel Messi has raised significant concerns about the organization of large-scale events in Kolkata. The establishment of an inquiry committee aims to address these issues and restore faith in the management of future sporting events.
**FAQ:**
**What led to the chaos during Messi’s event in Kolkata?**
The chaos was triggered by poor event management, resulting in Messi’s brief appearance and subsequent crowd unrest among fans who felt misled by the event’s organization.
