Kolkata: Leader of opposition in the Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that if BJP comes to office in Bengal, the saffron party will ensure footballer Lionel Messi visits the state again. His comment triggered a sharp response from the Trinamool Congress, which said that while Adhikari might end up losing the office of the leader of opposition, the next time Messi visits Bengal, Mamata Banerjee will still be the chief minister.
Adhikari on Monday criticized the Trinamool govt on the Messi issue and asked: "Why are spectators being arrested?" In a comment directed at Trinamool, Adhikari said, "You have played with the emotions of the youth."
Trinamool spokesperson hit back hard at Adhikari. He said that firstly, Messi has already played a complete match in Bengal in 2011. Secondly, Adhikari will not remain the leader of opposition, he said, adding, "Messi will return to Bengal again with CM Banerjee in office."