The political and administrative fallout from a high-profile football event featuring global icon Lionel Messi has led to a significant resignation in West Bengal. State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down from his portfolio on December 16, 2025, accepting responsibility for the logistical and organizational failures surrounding the event.
Minister Steps Down, Chief Minister Takes Charge
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the resignation offered by Biswas. Following this development, Banerjee announced that she herself will now take direct charge of the sports portfolio. The decision underscores the seriousness with which the state government is viewing the public and reputational damage caused by the event's mismanagement.
Show-Cause Notices Issued to Top Officials
In a related disciplinary action, the West Bengal government has issued show-cause notices to several senior officials, including the state's police chief. The notices demand explanations for the security and coordination lapses that occurred during the much-hyped event featuring Lionel Messi. The administration is holding multiple agencies accountable for the chaotic scenes that were reported.
Timeline and Immediate Repercussions
The sequence of events moved rapidly. The controversial event took place recently, leading to public outcry and media scrutiny. On December 16, 2025, Minister Aroop Biswas tendered his resignation. By the same day, Chief Minister Banerjee had accepted it and initiated action against other responsible officers. The swift action indicates a damage-control measure aimed at mitigating political criticism.
The incident has sparked a major debate on the planning and execution of large-scale sporting and celebrity events in India. It highlights the challenges of managing crowd safety, VIP protocols, and public expectations. The resignation of a sitting minister over such an event is a rare occurrence, pointing to the high stakes involved.
As the state government moves to control the narrative, all eyes are on the responses to the show-cause notices and what further administrative changes may follow. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for other states planning mega-events with international stars.
