West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday ordered a high-level enquiry after chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi's appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to the Argentine legend, his fans and sports lovers. The Chief Minister's remarks came after disgruntled fans, upset over poor crowd management and Messi's brief appearance at the venue, allegedly vandalised parts of the stadium. The incident prompted the state government to announce the constitution of an enquiry committee to fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed by the events that unfolded at the stadium. " I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi," the Chief Minister said in her post. I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.I… — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025 "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members," she added. The Chief Minister further stated that the committee would conduct a detailed probe into the incident. "The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers," Banerjee said. Following this, several frustrated fans criticised ministers and politicians for monopolising Messi's time and failing to deliver promised attractions, such as actor Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking to ANI, angry fans accused the Ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and failing to deliver on promises, such as securing Cine Star Shah Rukh Khan for the event. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," said one fan "We are very disappointed... My child was very excited to see Messi... I think it's a scam for the people. When Messi arrived, everyone surrounded him," another fan told ANI. One angry fan claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi...Why did they call us then... We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," he said. A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi said, "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything." Earlier, Messi virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata on Saturday, along with West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose. The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. Demonstrating its admiration for Lionel Messi, the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club has completed construction of a massive 70-foot iron statue in Lake Town, South Dum Dum, Kolkata. The statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolising his historic triumph with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The statue will be virtually unveiled by Messi himself, making the occasion even more special for fans.
13 December,2025 03:23 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIPolice personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd after they tried to vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the Argentine Legend Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event on Saturday. The situation got out of control when many fans who had paid a hefty sum to catch a glimpse of the football icon Messi became angry and tried to enter the ground to vandalise the tent and the goal post. To control the situation, police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd from the ground. Speaking to ANI, angry fans accused the Ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and failing to deliver on promises. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," said one fan. One angry fan claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi...Why did they call us then... We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," he said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans after Messi's Kolkata event turned into chaos. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," Mamta Banerjee wrote on X. "I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members. The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers," West Bengal CM added.
13 December,2025 03:13 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIDelhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 393 at around 8 am, placing the city in the 'Very Poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This follows a continuation of unhealthy air conditions observed on Friday, when the AQI had stood at 349 at around 4 pm A dense layer of smog persisted across several parts of the national capital, reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents, according to the news agency ANI. Several areas were categorised as having ‘Severe’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 436, shrouded in thick toxic smog. Other locations, including Ashok Vihar (435), ITO (425), DTU (426), and Nehru Nagar (427), also reported critically poor air quality in the ‘Severe’ category. However, air quality varied across the city, with several areas recording an AQI in the 'Very Poor' category. According to the CPCB, Najafgarh recorded an AQI of 312, while Shadipur registered 375. Okhla Phase 2 and Dwarka Sector 8 recorded AQI of 400 and 394, respectively, indicating slightly better air quality than other areas but still reflecting a decline, reported ANI. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday that her government is working on multiple fronts to effectively and sustainably control pollution in the capital. She stated that eliminating dust pollution is among the government's top priorities. To achieve this goal, wall-to-wall roads are being constructed across Delhi at an 'accelerated' pace. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Gupta said that to ensure there are no hurdles in road construction, MLAs have been provided with substantial funds amounting to several crores. She emphasised that pollution control cannot be achieved through government efforts alone; active public participation is equally important. Citizens must understand their role in reducing dust and smoke and act accordingly, reported ANI. CM Rekha Gupta further noted that flying dust is a major contributor to pollution in Delhi; therefore, wall-to-wall roads are an effective solution for ensuring long-term dust control along road edges. She instructed MLAs to ensure that all new construction or repair works adhere strictly to the wall-to-wall road model. She also clarified that if additional funds are required for this work, they will be provided immediately. (With ANI inputs)
13 December,2025 02:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIt was billed as the biggest sports show of the year, with one of the greatest footballers on the planet, Lionel Messi, at its centrepiece, but it turned into complete chaos. When Messi touched down in football-crazy Kolkata, the fans awaited the moment they could see the star up close and personal, but this was just for a few minutes. What followed was absolute chaos, as fans were left thirsting for a glimpse of the star. With ministers and politicians hovering around, Messi fans were left high and dry. The planned entry of cine star Shah Rukh Khan also did not materialise, leaving the public angry, reported ANI. A fan of star footballer Lionel Messi, while expressing disbelief, said, "Seeing the utter chaos, the management, the authorities, it was absolutely rubbish. All the people you see here love football. We all wanted to see Messi, but it was a total scam. We want our money back.” “The management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata. Kolkata is known for football, and we love football, and we love Argentina, but this experience is absolutely a scam. The ministers were there with their children, and the other people could not see anything... We are very hurt," as cited by news agency ANI. Another fan of star footballer Lionel Messi felt cheated, accusing the VIPs of hogging Messi's time. He asserted, "The minimum price of the ticket was 5 thousand, and why were the VVIPs around Messi? We couldn't even see him... Why weren't the police taking action? I don't know anything. Everyone was furious... We want the refund," as per ANI. Another fan of Messi who was hoping to see the star footballer turn a few tricks with the ball was left hoping for more. "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We could not see anything. He did not take a single kick or a single penalty. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We could not see anything," he added. Charged by the mismanagement, the fans took matters into their own hands, vandalising parts of the stadium, causing absolute chaos. Further, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC government of indulging in corruption. The BJP leader said, "There has been no other problem anywhere; what happened here shows what is happening in Bengal. The TMC has hijacked the event. TMC ministers are part of organising the event; they sold the tickets at very expensive rates and have indulged in corruption," as cited by news agency ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 02:25 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentLionel Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour turned into absolute chaos on Saturday as soon as Messi entered the field. Fans who paid hefty amounts for tickets at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early, reported ANI. Angry football fans resorted to vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor event management. Speaking to the media on Saturday, angry fans further accused the ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time and not delivering on promises like getting Cine Star Shah Rukh Khan at the event, reported ANI. VIDEO | Kolkata: Angry fans vandalise Salt Lake Stadium, hurl chairs at security personnel alleging poor management as Argentine footballer Lionel Messi leaves the venue during his G.O.A.T. India Tour.#LionelMessi #GOATIndiaTour #Kolkata(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/u4rwPYRreL — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 13, 2025 One of the fans who has been waiting to have a glimpse of Messi, while expressing his anger, stated that, "It's an absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," as cited by news agency ANI. Another fan who got extremely disappointed emphasised, "We are very disappointed... My child was very excited to see Messi... I think it's a scam for the people. When Messi arrived, everyone surrounded him." Furthermore, one angry fan also claimed that he had bought a ticket for Rs 12 thousand but didn't see Lionel Messi's face during the event. He added, "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi... Why did they call us then...? We have got a ticket for 12 thousand, but we were not even able to see his face," reported ANI. Another fan, while expressing their opinion about the poor management for Messi’s Kolkata appearance, highlighted, "Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn't see anything. He didn't take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn't bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn't see anything," as per ANI. Earlier, Messi virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata on Saturday, along with West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose. The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 01:45 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra experienced cool temperatures across most regions on Saturday, with minimums dipping below 10 degrees Celsius in several areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Ahilyanagar recorded minimum temperatures of 12.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 53 per cent to 97 per cent. Both locations reported no rainfall, while seasonal rainfall stood at 296.4 millimetres in Mahabaleshwar and 84.4 millimetres in Ahilyanagar. In the coastal regions, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius with 71 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri reported 17.1 degrees Celsius and 41 per cent humidity. Harnai experienced warmer conditions, with a low of 21.4 degrees Celsius and dry weather. Colaba, the southern tip of Mumbai, recorded a minimum of 20.7 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity. Urban areas of the state saw chilly mornings as well. Thane-Belapur Industrial area recorded a minimum of 19.2 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent humidity, while Pune and Baramati dropped to 8.8 degrees Celsius and 7.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik, Parbhani, and Dharashiv reported minimum temperatures of 8.6 degrees Celsius, 11.5 degrees Celsius, and 10.2 degrees Celsius. Matheran remained mild at 17.2 degrees Celsius, as per the IMD. The interior districts including Satara (9.5 degrees Celsius), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (11.2 degrees Celsius), Kolhapur (14.0 degrees Celsius), and Sangli (11.7 degrees Celsius) experienced clear skies with patches of haze. Nanded recorded a slightly warmer minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius with maximum temperatures touching 29.4 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported across the state during the 24-hour period ending Friday morning, though seasonal rainfall accumulation varied significantly, from 41.2 millimetres in Dharashiv to 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri. Residents were advised to carry light woollens during early mornings and evenings as temperatures remain cool across the state. Mumbai sees minimum 17 degrees Celsius, AQI 115; clear skies expected Clear skies expected across city and suburbs on Saturday, with maximum temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius and minimum 17 degrees Celsius, says the IMD. Air quality remains moderate, with the SAMEER app reporting an AQI of 115. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, may experience breathing discomfort. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions while commuting or spending extended time outdoors.
13 December,2025 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFans in Kolkata on Saturday expressed excitement about football legend Lionel Messi's arrival in the city. Messi arrived in Kolkata early in the morning on Saturday for the much-anticipated GOAT Tour 2025. Fans had eagerly awaited the moment, with thousands turning up to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend. Messi is staying at a hotel in Kolkata, where fans have gathered outside the hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the football legend. Crowds have also assembled at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Messi is scheduled to arrive to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly. A newly married couple, among the many fans gathered outside the Salt Lake Stadium, told ANI that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi in Kolkata. "We recently got married, but on Messi's visit, we cancelled our honeymoon plan because first we wanted to see Messi... We are very excited to see him, and we have been following him for 10-12 years," Karan, a Messi fan, told ANI. His wife echoed the sentiment, saying, "Last Friday we got married, and we cancelled our honeymoon plan because Messi is coming as this is important. We have been following him since 2010." Aayush, a fan from Nepal, said he is thrilled to see Messi, calling it a childhood dream and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brought him to Kolkata. "I can't express my feelings in words. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is why I have come to Kolkata from Nepal," Aayush told ANI. Notably, this is the first time since 2011 that Messi has visited India. Back then, the legendary footballer visited Kolkata and played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. With Messi again coming to India, fans are excited and have prepared for a grand celebration for his arrival in Kolkata.
13 December,2025 01:24 PM IST | Kolkata | ANIThousands braved the December chill and waited past midnight to give a rousing welcome to Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata for his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. The Barcelona legend's 2.26 am touchdown in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy. Gate 4 of the international arrivals turned into a roaring sea of chants, flags and flashing phones, with fans sprinting between gates for even a fleeting glimpse of their favourite sports star. Messi fans welcome him at the airport in Kolkata Children perched on shoulders and drums rolled as Messi was whisked out through the VIP gate under massive security. A heavy convoy then escorted him to his hotel, where another huge crowd was waiting deep into the night. Barricades, police deployment, and non-stop cheering completed a citywide eruption of "Messi mania." Messi arrived with long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next 72 hours, he will zip across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, meeting chief ministers, corporate leaders, Bollywood celebrities and eventually Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 December,2025 01:23 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIVijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was in celebratory mode on Friday, December 12, as an event marked 116 years of the timeless ode ‘Sagara Pran Talamalala…’. Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s statue was unveiled at Beodanabad by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “The Sagara Pran Talamalala… marks 116 years since Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar composed this iconic poem, with the waves of the sea as witness,” said Ameya Hete, a Mumbai-based businessman who conceptualised and organised the commemorative event and commissioned the statue. The salute Hete said, “The ceremony is a salute to the inspiring history of India’s freedom struggle. We need to kindle the spark of patriotism in the hearts of future generations.” Speaking about the statue, he added, “I always dreamt of installing a statue of Savarkar at a place where it is most apt. When one thinks of Savarkar, one thinks of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Currently, there is a small statue of him outside the Cellular Jail, and another at the Andaman airport. Now we have this statue, installed in a public garden where people can walk in, reflect on Savarkar, and spend time in quiet contemplation. The venue is accessible and historically significant.” The statue was commissioned to Ram Sutar and Anil Ram Sutar of Sutar Studios in Noida. Speaking over the phone, Anil Sutar said, “It took us three months to complete the statue. It has been sculpted in bronze and stands nine feet tall. We thoroughly study historical figures before working on them. We examined photographs and Savarkar’s ideology. Our endeavour was to convey the strength of his hands and the power of his philosophy. A statue is not just an embellishment; it tells a story, motivates people to delve deeper into the subject, and can inspire meaningful life lessons.” Sparkle Admiral (Retd) Devendra Kumar Joshi, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Advocate Ashish Shelar, were also present at the event. Hete has long been associated with initiatives centred on Savarkar. In April 2023, the Mumbai entrepreneur had organised a Marathi musical titled ‘Mee Savarkar’ (I am Savarkar), based on Savarkar’s life, songs and poetry, staged at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak at Shivaji Park. Recalling a visit to Port Blair at the time, Hete had said, “I saw the Cellular Jail, where Savarkar was imprisoned. It was a deeply moving and memorable experience.”
13 December,2025 01:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharStar footballer Lionel Messi on Saturday after arriving in India has virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata. The Argentine football legend is in the city as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025. The unveiling of a 70-foot statue drew a huge crowd of fans who gathered in Lake Town to witness the moment as football icon Messi unveiled it virtually. The Sree Bhumi Sporting Club completed the 70-foot iron statue in admiration for Lionel Messi at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, Kolkata. The massive statue depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Star footballer Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot statue installed at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town during the first leg of his G.O.A.T. Tour India 2025 pic.twitter.com/dYFPW7KsBg — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025 Earlier, the West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose said on Saturday that Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the statue installed in Lake Town. Speaking to the media, Minister Sujit Bose also emphasises that Messi and his team had given their consent to the statue and were happy with it. He asserted, "We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi... He gave his consent for the statue, and they are also happy...," as cited by news agency ANI. Highlighting that the construction of the statue was completed in just 40 days. Bose further added that, "We built this statue in 40 days. This is a very big statue, 70 feet in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi," as per ANI. Global football icon Lionel Messi arrived in the City of Joy early on Saturday morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. The enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. Notably, this marks Lionel Messi's first visit to India since 2011. During his previous visit, the legendary footballer played a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0. His return after 14 years has generated immense excitement among football fans, who have been preparing for a grand celebration to welcome the global icon. (With inputs from ANI)
13 December,2025 12:36 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has moved into the final phase of its organisational election process, with nominations for the post of state president scheduled on Saturday and the announcement of the new chief expected a day later. Senior party leaders, including national and state functionaries, met in Lucknow on Friday to finalise preparations. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the meeting, chaired by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh, was crucial in steering the party's internal democratic procedure. "For the election of the State BJP president, the party's National General Secretary (Org) BL Santhosh chaired an important meeting. State BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, General Secretary (Organisation) BJP, Uttar Pradesh - Dharampal Singh, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and all office bearers were present in the meeting," he said. Maurya asserted that the BJP remains committed to a transparent electoral process within the organisation, contrasting it with the Samajwadi Party. "SP is a one-family party, they make decisions on office bearers while sitting in their dining room. BJP is a democratic party, the largest in the world and an election process is followed here," he said. He further claimed the Samajwadi Party "has no future left" and predicted a resounding BJP victory in the 2027 Assembly polls. "In 2027, we will achieve a bigger victory in Uttar Pradesh than in 2017... Akhilesh Yadav's PDA is fake," he added. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Friday confirmed that the electoral process is nearing its conclusion. "UP BJP is taking the election of the State party chief to its last stage. Nomination will be filed tomorrow," he stated. Outgoing state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said the nominations would be received by senior leaders. "Nominations will be filed on Saturday. Vinod Tawde and Piyush Goyal will receive the nominations tomorrow... The final list will be published later, and the name will be announced the day after," he announced. With the nomination phase formally beginning Saturday, the BJP is poised to unveil its new Uttar Pradesh chief on Sunday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 December,2025 10:18 AM IST | Lucknow | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1765619530007_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Filepic")
