Kolkata Leader Demands Probe into Messi Event Chaos

Kolkata: Leader of opposition in Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday demanded a a court-monitored investigation into the chaos that erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake stadium in the city a day ago.Adhikari said onceBJPis elected to power in the 2026 assembly polls, the saffron party will ensure Messi comes to Bengal again and regales his thousands of fans in Yuva Bharati Krirangan with his football skills.Earlier, Adhikari told a press meet that BJP does not accept the state govt-appointed committee to probe the stadium mess. "We do not accept this committee. Only an investigation monitored by sitting judges can bring out the truth," he said.The leader of opposition also demanded the arrests of state ministers Sujit Bose and Aroop Biswas, accusing them of "mismanagement", and sought refunds of ticket prices paid.Later, at a ‘Parivartan Yatra' rally in the city, he said, "While the Messi events passed off smoothly in a spectacular manner in both Mumbai and Hyderabad, the image of our city got sullied due to corruption and mismanagement by TMC ministers.While NDA is in power in Mumbai, in Hyderabad, it is Congress. The TMC has brought Bengal to the worst situation, as there was no such chaos or disruption in the other two cities. I am assuring the thousands of Messi fans in Bengal, I feel your pain.I promise we will bring Messi to Bengal once we are on the saddle in the state," he said.Adhikari also asked how bottled waters — initially not allowed inside the stadium — were later sold within the premises, and "who permitted the sale of chips at prices ranging between Rs 150 and Rs 200".Kalyan Choubey, BJP neta and AIFF president, claimed, "It is not merely about financial damage. That can be recovered. But the image of the state in the international sports arena has taken a hit and that damage is irreparable." PTIGet an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here