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West Bengal Sports Minister Resigns Amid Messi Kolkata Chaos

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned, taking moral responsibility for the severe mismanagement during Lionel Messis Kolkata visit on 13th December. The event, marred by VIP overreach, poor crowd control, and administrative failure at Salt Lake Stadium, led to global embarrassment and public outrage, prompting an ongoing investigation and arrests.

| Updated on: Dec 17, 2025 | 08:07 AM

West Bengal's Sports Minister, Aroop Biswas, has resigned from his position, taking moral responsibility for the chaotic mismanagement that unfolded during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on 13th December. The highly anticipated event at Salt Lake Stadium, intended as a celebration of football, descended into disorder due to poor crowd control, unrestricted VIP movement, and administrative failures.

Fans, some having paid exorbitant ticket prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹16,000, reported blocked views and a lack of basic amenities like water. Messis team was reportedly irked by the relentless selfie-seeking crowd, including politicians, leading to an early departure.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accepted Biswass resignation and temporarily taken charge of the sports ministry. Investigations are underway, with event promoter Satadru Datta arrested and several officials removed or served show-cause notices as authorities seek accountability for the "global embarrassment."