Messi event fiasco: Sports minister Aroop Biswas submits resignation; Bengal CM Mamata to take final call

Aroop Biswas, the Sports Minister of West Bengal, has reportedly tendered his resignation amid criticism surrounding the Lionel Messi event held in Kolkata. Allegations of mismanagement and security failures at the event have surfaced, leading to this development. According to reports, spectators clashed with police, resulting in damage to the Salt Lake Stadium.

Kunal Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress leader, shared a copy of what he claims is Biswas's resignation letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Facebook. In the letter, Biswas purportedly requests to be relieved of his duties as Sports Minister. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the authenticity of the letter is under scrutiny, as it was not printed on official letterhead.

The controversy stems from the event at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, which was marred by security issues and organizational problems. Reports indicate that angry attendees clashed with law enforcement, causing an estimated Rs 2 crore in damages to stadium property. Ghosh stated that Biswas's request to step down is connected to the controversy surrounding the Messi event.

Despite these reports, Biswas has not issued any public statement regarding the matter. Attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, there has been no official confirmation from the Chief Minister's Office regarding whether Banerjee has accepted the resignation offer. Biswas is a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress and is known to be closely associated with the Chief Minister.