West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has resigned following widespread disorder at Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025. His resignation, accepted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, comes amid mounting criticism and a high-level inquiry into mismanagement during the football icon’s visit.
The incident occurred during Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour, his first appearance in Kolkata in 14 years. What was meant to be a grand celebration quickly descended into chaos, with frustrated fans, vandalism, and political clashes overshadowing the event. Biswas, in his resignation letter, cited the need for an “unbiased investigation” and requested to be relieved of his sports portfolio. He will continue as Power Minister, while Mamata Banerjee temporarily assumes charge of the sports department.
Notable updates
• Aroop Biswas resigns as West Bengal Sports Minister after Messi event chaos
• Resignation accepted by CM Mamata Banerjee, who will oversee sports portfolio temporarily
• Event at Salt Lake Stadium marred by mismanagement, vandalism, and political clashes
• High-level inquiry committee set up to investigate lapses and recommend preventive measures
• Biswas retains charge of the power department despite stepping down from sports
Major takeaway
Biswas’s resignation underscores the political and administrative fallout from the Messi event fiasco, highlighting the importance of accountability and effective crowd management in high-profile public programs.
Sources: Indian Express, CNBC TV18, Outlook India, The Hindu