Kolkata, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, faced denial of entry to Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Saturday evening as he attempted to inspect the venue amidst the chaos that erupted during an event featuring the renowned football icon, Lionel Messi.

Upon his arrival, Governor Bose reported that, despite having informed authorities of his visit beforehand, the stadium gates were locked, and the lights were turned off.

“My ADC was instructed to approach Gate No. 3. I complied with that direction. This act is an attempt to prevent access to the constitutional leader. My report is prepared. The Governor is not merely a figurehead. Is this how Bengal treats its Governor? I intend to return tomorrow. The event seems to prioritize profit over the game. I also observed that the lights were extinguished upon my arrival,” Bose stated, seeking clarity regarding the incident.

Earlier, a scene of pandemonium unfolded at the stadium as attendees engaged in vandalism due to their inability to glimpse Messi.

Fans accused the organizers of severe mismanagement and expressed their frustration that VIP sections obstructed their view.

This situation escalated, leading to police involvement and the arrest of the main organizer of the event, Satadru Datta.

In reaction, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the situation.

The incident also drew political commentary. Former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh labeled the event as “an international embarrassment for Bengalis” in a social media update.

“Those who frequently proclaim Bengali pride and identity have, for their political benefit, (Trinamool) disgraced Bengalis in this manner, an occurrence one could hardly envision. Kolkata has previously welcomed legends like Pelé and Maradona, and even Messi himself had visited before. Such disturbances were unheard of in those instances,” Ghosh remarked.

He further claimed that thousands of ticket holders were denied a view of Messi while VIPs and supporters of the ruling party enjoyed privileged access.

“This incident illustrates the nefarious intent of politicizing the deep sporting enthusiasm of Bengalis. In the past, spectators attending East Bengal–Mohun Bagan matches were subjected to police aggression,” he added.

In his comparisons, Ghosh noted, “Stadiums in Gujarat also host large crowds for events, yet such disorder does not occur. There is a lesson to be learned from them. Mamata Banerjee seeks to gain political advantage from every situation; even after KKR's IPL victory, she turned it into a political event filled with dance and celebration to further her agenda. Major events cannot thrive under such a petty approach. Kolkata and Bengal suffer a tarnished reputation because of this. We vehemently condemn this.”