Kolkata : Cricket Association of Bengal President Sourav Ganguly may face a stiff challenge to retain his post in the forthcoming elections of the association end of July . Sourav was inducted into the post on October 15,2015 after the demise of Jagmohan Dalmiya who passed away on September 20 , 2015 . The former India captain , who was then serving his second term as CAB joint secretary , emerged as the consensus candidate to take over the mantle while Dalmiya’s son Avishek was designated to take over Ganguly’s position in the two announcements made by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Sourav will face a opposition from none other than CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey , who have a bitter relationship with the former cricketer since he has taken the charge as CAB administrator . According to sources , Biswarup is believed to have silently started campaigning against Ganguly . Dey , who was very close to former BCCI president N Srinivasan will have the support of senior member and former Jt. Secretary of the association Chitrak Mitra . Mohun Bagan Assistant Secretary Srinjoy Bose , who have a good influence among the local clubs might also lend his support to Biswarup.
According to Biswarup , who will project himself as the Jt. Secretary feels “ It will be a tough contest as Sourav in itself is a brand . But I do not have brand .” “ I always believed in team work and have followed this principle in carrying out the administrative work in CAB . If a situation so arises we will fight it together .”
Sourav have his supporters as well in the association and slowly members are showing their confidence on him. Former BCCI Jt. Secretary , presently the chairman of Board of Trustees feels “I see nothing wrong as far as running of the association is concerned . He is doing well . Everyone should be given time to get the best out of him . I have no double thoughts in this regard” On the forthcoming CAB elections , Mr Dasgupta feels ,“ It is to early to comment whether there will be elections or not .”
Subir Ganguly ,one of jt. secretaries of the association feel “ Every association has a right to hold an election in a democratic way . Only then we can have transperancy . It’s too pre-mature to comment on the matter ”
There’s another equation that’s making rounds in the CAB , with former cricketer Laxmi meeting the chief minister at Nabanna few days back . Laxmi , who recently retired from cricket is believed to join Trinamool Congress . The former Bengal captain might stand from Bally constituency . Laxmi , who attended the working committee meeting of CAB last year representing Salkia Friends might as well come from the same club in the forthcoming AGM in July . So , Laxmi will be projected as the face of the group that is slowly getting organized in their revolt against Sourav .
According to insiders in CAB , Chitrak Mitra will be projected as the President of rival group and Biswarup will fight for the post of secretary along with Subir Ganguly. But all these initiative could have finish if West Bengal Chief Minister mamata Banerjee enters in the eqution and things will change drastrically. Mamata Banerjee, who is very close with Sourav Ganguly and inducted him as CAB President will surely support Sourav to justify her earlier decision. On the other hand, Biswarup’s connection with N. Srinibasan would be damaging for his image since former BCCI President has lost all his trust factor in the game of cricket.
So , come July this year as Bengal cricket will witness a tough contest in the forthcoming CAB elections .