West Bengal politics witnessed a major shake-up after chaos at a Lionel Messi-related programme in Kolkata. Sports Minister Arup Biswas resigned from his post following the controversy. The incident took place at the iconic Yuva Bharati Krirangan, where crowd mismanagement sparked widespread criticism.
Questions surfaced soon after the event over planning failures and administrative lapses. Opposition leaders and sections of the public blamed the sports department for poor coordination. Pressure mounted on Arup Biswas as visuals of disorder spread rapidly on social media.
Sources said the chief minister was displeased with how the event unfolded. The programme, meant to celebrate football and inspire youth, instead became a political embarrassment. The situation overshadowed the international stature of Lionel Messi’s name linked to the event.
Arup Biswas submitted his resignation amid growing outrage. Party insiders said he chose to step down to contain damage to the government’s image. Senior leaders held multiple internal discussions before the decision was finalised.
The Trinamool Congress has not officially detailed the next steps. However, the resignation signals accountability within the government. The incident has reignited debate on crowd management and large-scale event planning in the state.
The episode also highlights the risks involved when high-profile events lack strict coordination. Political observers believe the fallout may influence future governance decisions related to sports and public events in West Bengal
