Kolkata, May 27: Legendary footballer Lionel Messi visited Kolkata last December, where a 64-foot statue was erected in his honor. Initially seen as a tribute, the statue has recently sparked controversy due to its poor construction quality.
Local residents have reported that the statue sways in strong winds, raising concerns about its stability. Positioned near a busy intersection, there is growing fear that it could topple and cause a serious accident. Some believe that the statue, built during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s tenure, now symbolizes the party’s decline.
An investigation by officials revealed that several screws in the statue’s primary framework were loose, compromising its structural integrity. Currently, efforts are underway to secure it with ropes.
The situation has taken on a political dimension, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) linking the issue to the TMC’s long-standing governance in West Bengal. Critics argue that the statue represents a facade of politics, where grand projects are initiated without adequate attention to their foundational strength.
Nisith Pramanik, the state’s new sports minister, has reportedly stated that action will be taken against those responsible for the statue’s construction negligence. The statue was commissioned during Messi’s visit to India, initiated by former TMC minister Sujit Bose.
Reports of disarray also emerged during Messi’s visit, with large crowds at Salt Lake Stadium. Poor management and excessive VIP culture prevented many fans from catching a glimpse of their favorite player, leading to chaos and vandalism. Plans are reportedly in place to compensate those who faced disappointment despite purchasing tickets.
The pressing question now is whether Messi’s colossal statue will be removed, reinforced, or rebuilt. The issue remains a topic of discussion due to concerns over administrative negligence, political blame games, and public safety.
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