India’s ruling party has seized on the chaotic handling of football legend Lionel Messi’s appearance in Kolkata to attack the government in West Bengal, turning the Argentinian’s visit into an election-season test for one of the country’s most politically consequential states.
The visit descended into chaos as crowd unrest prompted arrests and an apology from West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
West Bengal’s opposition leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs nationally, have portrayed the disorder as emblematic of deeper failures under Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress government.
On Saturday, chants of “Messi, Messi” filled the air in Kolkata’s 85,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium when the Argentinian national football team captain appeared. However, many spectators were disappointed as they could barely catch a glimpse of their hero, as officials and celebrities surrounded Messi when the player from Major League Soccer club Inter Miami walked around the pitch before he was quickly escorted out.
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Fans vandalise India stadium after Messi’s abrupt exit
Fans vandalise India stadium after Messi’s abrupt exit
Frustrated fans vented their anger by ripping out seats in the stadium, hurling water bottles and invading the pitch, prompting BJP’s state leaders to demand the resignation of Banerjee, one of the longest serving state chief ministers.