West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, urged East Bengal club’s officials and investor Emami to build a strong team to compete with Mohun Bagan. The chief minister was speaking at the launch of East Bengal club’s centennial documentary “Shatoborsher Mashal” at Rabindra Sadan. The documentary is directed by noted filmmaker Gautam Ghosh.
Expressing deep concern over East Bengal’s recent performances in the Indian Super League and other tournaments, Banerjee said, “I have a grievance towards East Bengal club’s officials. Emami has been supporting the club financially for the last few years, but the club needs to get good players to produce the desired results. Why will the investors invest money if they do not get the return?”
She also stressed that the club must plan wisely and start building a team with vision. “Just pouring money is not enough. You must build the team wisely. I asked Debabrata Sarkar (East Bengal club’s top official), ‘Why aren’t you doing well? Learn from Diamond Harbour,’” she said, referring to the I-League-bound Diamond Harbour FC, backed by her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.
The Chief Minister called for long-term planning, decisive recruitment, and accountability from the club’s leadership. “Think ahead and plan from now, make tough decisions. There should be no more failures next year,” she urged.
West Bengal CM also referenced East Bengal’s rivals, noting the structured approaches taken by Mohun Bagan Super Giant management. “Mohun Bagan has no shortage of funds under Mr Sanjiv Goenka. Even Mohammedan SC has made their arrangements. If they (Mohun Bagan) can do it, why can’t East Bengal?”
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Sports Minister – Aroop Biswas, Minister of state for the Tourism Department – Indranil Sen, Mohun Bagan club’s former and current secretaries – Srinjoy Bose and Debasish Dutta, Mohammedan Sporting club secretary – Ishtiaque Ahmed, filmmaker – Srijit Mukherjee, CAB President – Snehasish Ganguly, and former India woman cricketer – Jhulan Goswami. Several former East Bengal footballers also were present for the special screening of the documentary.
The Chief Minister also announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh to East Bengal Women’s team for winning the top-tier Indian Women’s League (IWL) this season. The documentary will be screened at Nandan-III from April 28 to May 4, daily at 6pm.