Kolkata, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Anand Bose, expressed in an interview with IANS on Wednesday that labeling the events surrounding the occasion for Argentine football star Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as 'mismanagement' is a significant understatement, characterizing it as a dark day for the state.

This statement comes amid increasing criticism and political fallout regarding the chaos and security failures that transpired on December 13 during the Messi event held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also referred to as Salt Lake Stadium. Irate attendees caused considerable damage to stadium property.

Bose referred to the incident as a systematic failure, stating that it has brought shame to the entire nation.

Here are some key excerpts from the interview:

IANS: The Messi event in Kolkata saw tremendous chaos. Do you attribute this to administrative mismanagement?

C.V. Anand Bose: Mismanagement is merely an understatement. The authorities displayed a level of callous neglect. This scenario illustrates the dire consequences when sports are commodified, allowing private entities to profit at the expense of passionate sports fans.

Thousands traveled to Kolkata from across the nation to see their football idol, Messi. Unfortunately, the authorities mishandled the situation. There was a complete lack of planning, management, or oversight. The entire government apparatus became a mere spectator to the calamity, and the public bore the brunt.

Due to this, many complaints reached me. The government had been alerted a night prior to implement precautionary measures, yet none were put in place.

It's disheartening that Kolkata lacks a standard operating protocol or effective management. This is a systematic failure. It marks a dark day for Bengal, casting a shameful shadow over the nation.

IANS: What measures can the state government undertake to investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable?

C.V. Anand Bose: I have submitted numerous suggestions and directives to the government. First, a judicial inquiry is essential. An inquiry led by a retired judge, which has been ordered, does not meet the criteria of a judicial inquiry. Secondly, those responsible, especially the organizers, must be arrested. While the Chief Organizer has been detained, this action is insufficient. All accountable individuals must be apprehended.

Thirdly, from a public perspective, it's crucial to refund the money to attendees, which the government has announced. Fourth, the accounts of the Chief Organizer should be frozen.

IANS: You personally inspected the stadium. What did you observe?

C.V. Anand Bose: On my second visit to the stadium, I discovered it was locked and the lights were off, indicating an attempt to conceal something. Upon my return the next day, I witnessed chaos of an unimaginable nature. Those accountable must face consequences.

IANS: Bengal's Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has resigned. What are your thoughts on this?

C.V. Anand Bose: Numerous citizens demanded the Sports Minister's resignation. Now that he has stepped down, it seems some action has been initiated. Had effective measures been taken before the event...

The DGP and Police Commissioner have been asked to provide explanations. The Deputy Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police has been suspended. There are also calls for another Minister's resignation. However, the populace desires proactive and effective steps. Accidents are not without reason – this event in Kolkata has conveyed that message.

IANS: CM Mamata Banerjee was unable to attend the venue. What is your perspective on that?

C.V. Anand Bose: The disorder witnessed in Kolkata is indeed embarrassing for sports enthusiasts, especially for the citizens of Bengal. Authorities failed to foresee this and did not take necessary precautions.

In such scenarios, it's well-known that there are four critical stages for government action: intelligence, preparation, execution, and cleanup. The authorities faltered on all fronts.

The police bear the primary responsibility for maintaining order during such events. It is regrettable that the Chief Minister, who also serves as the Home Minister, could not be present. The police have let down the Constitution, the citizens of Bengal, and their own Home Minister, leading to a lamentable situation in Bengal.

IANS: Do you believe there are significant security lapses in the state?

C.V. Anand Bose: I prefer not to delve into specifics, but as Governor, my foremost duty is to the people. I will advocate for those who were utterly overlooked and turned into scapegoats for someone’s financial greed, commodifying sports.

IANS: In your opinion, has law and order completely broken down in Bengal?

C.V. Anand Bose: As a constitutional leader, I must refrain from making rash statements. In this instance, there was a total failure. However, I will not use this to evaluate the entire law and order scenario in the state. I have conducted my own assessment on the matter, which I will present to the concerned authorities. I prefer not to discuss it publicly.

IANS: Do you believe Bangladeshi infiltrators are residing in large numbers in the state? Is it becoming a significant issue?

C.V. Anand Bose: This issue became evident during the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process. There is also an outflow of illegal migrants from Bengal to Bangladesh. This phenomenon has been extensively studied and documented. Regarding its impact on elections, the SIR process is expected to bring about significant change and cleanse the system.

IANS: The Centre claims that the SIR will assist in identifying and expelling Bangladeshi infiltrators as they influence election results. What is your opinion on this?

C.V. Anand Bose: Following the SIR, I believe the chances of Bangladeshi infiltrators impacting elections have diminished. While I cannot claim they have been entirely eradicated, their numbers have certainly reduced.