Aroop Biswas is a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and one of the most influential ministers in the West Bengal government. An aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he has been an important part of the party’s leadership since its early years and is considered a key organisational strategist.
The 61-year-old represents the Tollygunge Assembly constituency and has won multiple elections from the seat. Over the years, he has handled several major portfolios in the West Bengal government, including sports, youth affairs, housing and public works-related responsibilities. His political influence extends beyond electoral politics, as he is deeply connected to administrative functioning and local-level party coordination.
Biswas also served as the sports minister, a position he quit in December 2025, over the chaos during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. He was involved in initiatives linked to football tournaments, youth development programmes in West Bengal and state-backed sporting events. He has also been associated with improving urban infrastructure and civic projects in Kolkata.
Within the TMC, Biswas often takes charge of managing politically sensitive constituencies and coordinating election campaigns. His organisational skills have helped strengthen the party’s presence in urban and semi-urban areas.
In a significant political development from West Bengal, India Today Correspondent Anupam Mishra reports that Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The move follows the chaotic mismanagement of the ‘Messi mess’ event at Salt Lake Stadium. Mishra confirms that Biswas submitted a ‘handwritten letter’ expressing his wish to step down after facing severe criticism. Sources reveal that during a review meeting for the Gangasagar Mela, the Chief Minister questioned Biswas and DGP Rajiv Kumar, reportedly telling the minister, ‘If you cannot take responsibility then you can step down.’
Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has strongly criticised the mismanagement at Lionel Messi's recent event in Kolkata. Speaking on the chaos that unfolded at the Salt Lake Stadium during the 'GOAT India Tour 2025', Bhutia blamed 'VIP culture' for denying genuine fans a glimpse of the Argentine legend. He stated, 'The genuine fans did not really get to see Messi.' Bhutia noted that while organisers tried their best, the situation spiralled out of control due to the presence of unauthorised VIPs who crowded the venue. The football icon expressed hope that such mistakes would not be repeated in the future.
