Wed Nov 06 04:31:02 UTC 2024: ## Kolkata Football Clubs’ Political Endorsement Sparks Outrage

**KOLKATA, INDIA** – A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal after prominent football clubs in Kolkata publicly endorsed a Trinamool Congress candidate in the upcoming by-elections. The move has been met with criticism, with many calling it unethical and a violation of sporting integrity.

The controversy began with a video shared on social media by the ruling Trinamool Congress party, showcasing officials from clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting Club endorsing Sanat Dey, the party’s candidate for the Naihati Assembly seat. The video also features Anirban Dutta, secretary of the Indian Football Association, praising the Trinamool Congress candidate.

The move has been met with widespread condemnation. Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari termed the endorsement “unprecedented and unethical”, calling on Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene. He also labelled it “outright unsportsmanlike” and a violation of the code of conduct for sporting institutions.

Legendary footballer Shyam Thapa echoed these sentiments, stating that mixing sports and politics is detrimental and clubs should refrain from endorsing candidates. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury shared a similar opinion, calling it “unfortunate”.

The Trinamool Congress, however, defended the endorsement, arguing that there is no harm in supporting a capable sports organizer, citing the example of AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey who contested elections as a BJP candidate earlier this year.

The by-elections for six Assembly seats in West Bengal, including Naihati, are scheduled to be held on November 13. The controversy surrounding the football clubs’ political endorsements has added another layer of intrigue to the election season.

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