Former Mohun Bagan President Swapan Sadhan (Tutu) Bose has publicly declared his support for his elder son Srinjoy Bose in the upcoming Mohun Bagan club elections, ending speculation about his stance amid an increasingly divided house.
Though he had stepped down from his post at the club some time ago to possibly engage in election campaigning, Bose had so far remained away from any public appearances. However, in a press conference held at his Ballygunge residence, on Saturday, he launched a scathing attack on current club secretary Debashis Dutta, without naming him directly.
“I will campaign for Srinjoy in the club elections,” Bose stated clearly, adding that the upcoming contest will see him fully backing his son’s bid to become the club secretary. His statement has sparked fresh momentum in the election buzz, with many insiders believing that his influence could swing significant support toward Srinjoy. In Mohun Bagan’s politics, Bose continues to be considered a major factor.
Tensions had been rising in recent weeks after Bose’s younger son, Soumik Bose—currently a joint vice-president at the club—publicly aligned himself with Dutta during a campaign meeting in Baranagar. This raised questions about where the patriarch stood, as both sons found themselves on opposite sides of the contest.
On Saturday, Bose clarified, “Some people tried to create a rift in my family, but they acted too early. I am still the banyan tree in this family. There is no split. I support both my sons. Tubulai (Soumik) is not contesting the election. So I will ensure Srinjoy is elected as the next secretary.”
When asked as to why he wanted to replace the current secretary, Bose replied, “He came to Mohun Bagan through me. But his greed has become uncontrollable. People are calling him a successful secretary over the last three years—but what is the measure of that success? If trophies are the metric, that credit goes to Sanjiv Goenka. And who brought Sanjiv Goenka to the club? It was because of my relationship with R.P. Goenka. So where does his success lie?”
Bose also admitted that he failed to rein in the secretary’s conduct during his own tenure as president. “Yes, I could not control him. I used to think that I was a good judge of (someone’s) character. But I have to admit that I was wrong. He caused a rift with the Mitra family. He tried to divide me and Anjan Mitra. And now he’s trying to split my family. But I won’t let that happen.”
The former president also responded sharply to allegations made by Dutta regarding a so-called ‘Mitra-Bose family dynasty’ within the club. “Debashis was brought into the club by me. I asked Anjan to involve him because I was away on business trips abroad. Mohun Bagan is like a third son to me—after Srinjoy and Soumik. So where does the family dynasty narrative come from? Whoever is capable should be in administration, irrespective of family ties.”
Highlighting his past contributions to the club, Bose said, “When the club faced suspension by the federation, I loaned ₹2 crore to help pay the fine. I have now donated that amount to the club. I brought in Vijay Mallya as a sponsor and later Sanjiv Goenka. I will now ensure victory for Srinjoy and his panel.”
When asked if there was any possibility of a reconciliation before the elections, Bose replied, “Attempts were made, but Debashis’s greed has gone beyond limits. There will be no compromise. It will be a fight. Once we win, we’ll consider whether to include any of the defeated members in the new team.”
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