Srinjoy Bose, the secretary of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, resigned on Tuesday amid rising criticism of his participation in the club’s bid to compete in the Indian Super League (ISL). Personal reasons were claimed by Bose, the son of club president Swapan Sadhan (Tutu) Bose.
Merging with ISL
Mohun Bagan opted to merge its football division with ISL upstarts ATK FC, agreeing to form a new organization called ATK Mohun Bagan FC, under Bose’s management.
The club relinquished an 80 percent stake in the new corporation in exchange for business mogul Sanjiv Goenka’s ATK FC, the three-time ISL winners, taking over the new entity’s financial duties. After both sides came together, Bose became a co-director of ATK Mohun Bagan.
While the decision elicited mixed reactions at first, criticism developed as fans began to believe that the club’s historic history and legacy, which dates back to 1889, had been purposefully ignored to promote a late-comer franchise.
Supporters Not Happy
ATK Mohun Bagan finished second in the 2020-21 ISL and is now leading the competition with two wins in as many games. However, despite a promising start to their campaign, the green and maroon supporters, known as Mariners, have maintained their uncompromising attitude.
In recent years, they have increased their protests, yelling slogans such as #RemoveATK, #Breakthemerger, and #ATKMB is not my club.
Bose Resigns
Bose is thought to have resigned since the club’s current elected committee has served its term and new elections are on the horizon.
Within the club, he faces fierce opposition, particularly from Babun Banerjee, the brother of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is reportedly eyeing a more proactive role within the club and the ATKMB management.
“For personal reasons, I express my heartfelt desire to be relieved of my responsibilities as General Secretary of the Club and tender my resignation, effective immediately,” Bose said in a statement.
“I am confident that the Club shall continue to be managed with the best competence, as it has been done over the years.
“I shall forever remain an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Club. I always shall remain grateful to those who have reposed confidence in my abilities and my dedication towards the betterment of this Club.”
