Modi brings back 'Messi chaos' during poll speech, blames TMC for it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government during his rally in Thakurnagar, addressing the infamous Yuba Bharati Krirangan chaos for the first time. Labeling the December incident—which marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata—as the result of "Mahajangalraj," Modi stated that the administrative failure had shamed Bengal on the global stage. He criticized the state for the disorder, noting that football fans and international observers witnessed vandalism instead of the celebration that was promised.

The incident, which occurred on December 13, saw thousands of fans gather to see football legends including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul. When the situation turned chaotic, spectators stormed the pitch, threw bottles, destroyed banners, and broke through barricades in a frenzy. The fallout was swift and severe: the event organizer was arrested, a judicial inquiry committee headed by a retired judge was formed, and Sports Minister Aroop Biswas eventually resigned from his post, taking responsibility for the administrative collapse.

Modi pointedly highlighted the plight of the thousands of spectators who were cheated, stating that despite police orders, not a single fan has received a ticket refund. Contrasting the current state of affairs with his future vision, Modi assured the youth and sportspersons of Bengal that if the BJP is voted to power, his administration will build a professional, transparent sports ecosystem under the 'Khelo India' initiative, ensuring that the state never has to endure such an embarrassing administrative failure again.