Kolkata, India – Aroop Biswas, the West Bengal Minister of Sports, resigned on December 16, 2025, following significant disruptions at a high-profile event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata. The event, which was intended to celebrate Messi’s contributions to the sport and promote football in the region, was marred by chaos, leading to public outcry and political repercussions.
The event, held at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium, was part of a promotional tour for Messi’s charity foundation and aimed to inspire young athletes in West Bengal. However, as thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon, the situation quickly escalated. Reports indicate that the venue was overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of confusion and panic as fans surged toward the stage, resulting in a temporary halt to the proceedings.
The disruptions prompted a swift response from local authorities, who struggled to manage the crowd. Police were deployed to restore order, but the situation remained tense for several hours. The event, which was expected to be a celebration of sportsmanship and community engagement, instead became a focal point of criticism for the state government.
In the wake of the incident, Aroop Biswas announced his resignation, stating that he took full responsibility for the mismanagement of the event. “I deeply regret the chaos that unfolded during what was meant to be a joyous occasion for sports lovers in our state,” Biswas said in a statement. “As the minister responsible for sports, I believe it is my duty to step down and allow for a fresh perspective to address the concerns raised by this incident.”
The resignation has sparked discussions about the organization of large-scale events in West Bengal, particularly those involving high-profile figures. Critics have pointed to a lack of adequate planning and crowd control measures, raising questions about the state government’s ability to manage significant public gatherings. The incident has also reignited debates about the safety protocols in place for large events, especially in light of previous incidents that have raised concerns about crowd management in India.
The implications of Biswas’s resignation extend beyond the immediate fallout from the event. It highlights the challenges faced by state governments in organizing major events, particularly in a country where sports, especially cricket and football, draw massive crowds. The incident may lead to a reevaluation of policies regarding event management and public safety, with calls for stricter regulations and improved training for personnel involved in crowd control.
Furthermore, the resignation of a cabinet minister over a public event underscores the political ramifications of such incidents. In a politically charged environment, where public sentiment can quickly shift, the ability of government officials to maintain public trust is crucial. The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, will likely face scrutiny over its handling of the situation and its broader approach to sports promotion in the state.
The event featuring Messi was intended to be a catalyst for football development in West Bengal, a state with a rich sporting heritage but facing challenges in infrastructure and youth engagement in sports. Messi’s presence was seen as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes and promote football as a viable career path. However, the chaos that ensued has overshadowed these objectives, raising concerns about the future of sports initiatives in the region.
As the dust settles from the incident, the West Bengal government will need to address the fallout from Biswas’s resignation and the public’s concerns regarding safety and event management. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in organizing large-scale events and the importance of effective planning and execution to ensure the safety and enjoyment of attendees.
In conclusion, Aroop Biswas’s resignation following the disruptions at Messi’s Kolkata event marks a significant moment in West Bengal’s sports administration. The incident has not only drawn attention to the challenges of managing large crowds but also highlighted the political consequences of public events gone awry. As the state navigates the aftermath, the focus will likely shift toward improving safety protocols and restoring public confidence in its ability to host major sporting events.
