Kolkata, Dec 16:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted the resignation of state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who took moral responsibility for alleged lapses in the management of an event featuring Argentine football legend Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium last week.
In his handwritten resignation letter in Bengali, Biswas said he had decided to step down to ensure the impartiality of the probe ordered by the Chief Minister. Banerjee has constituted an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court to investigate the alleged mismanagement during the high-profile event. “Since a probe committee has been formed, I am resigning as Sports Minister in the interest of a fair and unbiased investigation,” Biswas wrote, requesting the Chief Minister to accept his resignation.
Following the resignation, the Chief Minister has decided to directly oversee the Sports Department until the inquiry is completed. A senior member of the state cabinet said Banerjee would handle the department’s affairs during the interim period. Government sources indicated that with the state Assembly elections approaching and the dates likely to be announced after the publication of the final voters’ list in February next year, it is unlikely that a new Sports Minister will be appointed in the meantime.
Despite stepping down from the Sports portfolio, Biswas will continue to serve in the cabinet as the Power Minister.
The Messi event triggered widespread controversy after chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium, with allegations of poor crowd management, lack of adequate arrangements and damage to public property. Spectators and civil society groups criticised the authorities for failing to ensure proper access and safety, particularly given the scale and popularity of the event.
Biswas came under intense criticism from opposition parties and sections of civil society, as he was present on the stadium ground alongside Messi during the programme. Allegations were also raised that while Biswas and his family members were seen surrounding the football star, many spectators who had purchased high-priced tickets were denied a clear view or adequate access to the icon.
The opposition accused the state government of gross mismanagement and preferential treatment, further fuelling the political controversy. The findings of the judicial probe are now awaited to determine responsibility for the lapses during the event.
