In a significant development from Kolkata, global football icon Lionel Messi has reportedly expressed his appreciation for the towering statue modelled after him that was installed in the city's Lake Town area. This revelation was made by West Bengal's Fire and Emergency Services Minister, Sujit Bose, during a media interaction on Sunday.
Minister Reveals Messi's Approval Amid Criticism
Addressing the media, Minister Sujit Bose directly responded to the criticism the 70-foot-tall statue had attracted from various quarters since its installation next to the Big Ben replica off VIP Road. Bose stated that Lionel Messi himself liked and praised the statue. The minister, under whose initiative the statue was erected, shared that the Argentine superstar had even kept a picture of the statue in a prominent place.
"Messi himself appreciated it. There are always a few critics who do such things. Messi himself praised it and kept the statue's picture in the top spots," Bose told reporters. This statement aims to counter the public debate and mixed reactions the installation had generated locally.
Enquiry Committee Probes Salt Lake Stadium Incident
In the same briefing, Minister Bose spoke for the first time about the recent fiasco at the Salt Lake stadium. He confirmed that the state government has taken formal action by constituting an enquiry committee to investigate the matter. The probe is currently underway.
"I won't say anything about it now. Let's see what the investigation report reveals," Bose said, adopting a cautious stance. He indicated that the report would pinpoint errors and correct decisions made during the event. The minister expressed confidence in the state's capability to host major events, referencing past successes under the current government's tenure.
Bengal's Track Record with Major Events
Defending the state's administrative prowess, Sujit Bose highlighted Bengal's experience in organizing large-scale events. He emphasized that significant events have been successfully held in the past and assured that many more would take place in the future.
"What I can say is that many big and significant events happened previously, and will happen, in Bengal. During our govt's tenure, many major events have taken place," Bose asserted. This comment serves to reinforce the government's position amidst scrutiny over the stadium management incident.
The twin announcements regarding Messi's statue and the stadium probe have put Kolkata back in the national spotlight, intertwining sports culture with administrative accountability.
