West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has strongly condemned the chaos that erupted during football star Lionel Messi’s event at the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) on December 13, terming the incident a “management failure” and a “systemic failure.”
Speaking to reporters, the Governor stated that the episode “hurt the sentiments of football lovers everywhere” and “undermined the dignity of the common man,” particularly those who paid hefty sums for tickets but failed to catch a clear glimpse of the football icon due to a brief, tightly ring-fenced appearance.
Governor’s Actions and Directives
Governor Bose, who conducted a first-hand inspection of the venue on Sunday, announced he would submit a comprehensive report to the central government.
- Report to Centre: He confirmed he will submit a “pro-people report” to the Government of India, along with suggestions for the state government, emphasizing that the issue involves “larger issues of administrative governance.”
- Lapses Flagged: The Governor pointed to “lapses in planning and administration,” noting his surprise that “for such a large congregation, there is not even a standard operating procedure (SOP).”
- Action Demanded: He has already directed the state government to take severe action, including:
- Ordering a judicial inquiry into the matter.
- Arresting all those responsible (the main event organizer, Satadru Dutta, has already been arrested).
- Refunding ticket prices to the spectators.
- Initiating action against officials who failed in their duties, particularly the police.
Regarding damage to the public property of the stadium, Bose stated, “Action has been initiated against those responsible.”
The Governor stressed that such events, where private parties “commercialise sports and make money,” must ensure the public does not suffer. He maintained that he would convey his observations on the role of political functionaries seen at the event confidentially to his “esteemed constitutional colleague” first.