Swapan wins battle of brothers in BOA

KOLKATA: Ajit Banerjee's reign as

Bengal Olympic Association

(BOA) president for eight years came to an end when he lost to his younger brother Swapan Banerjee in the association's annual general body meeting here on Sunday.

It has been an overwhelming victory for Swapan whose panel almost swept the polls. While he himself prevailed over his brother 37-24,

Jahar Das

defeated Biswarup Dey 38-23 to become the new general secretary.

Das, a veteran BOA worker, has been elevated to secretary's post after serving as the treasurer for the last four years.

This was Swapan's second win in as many attempts in BOA after he won the secretary's post defeating

Chandan Roy Chowdhury

in 2016.

Swapan, however, did not want to see it as a family battle. "This result will not affect my relation with my elder brother," he stated. Ajit too congratulated the winning panel before making a hasty exit from the venue. "I wish them all good," he stated. "I want them to run BOA in a transparent manner," he added.

The election gained added importance since it placed the two brothers of chief minister Mamata Banerjee against each other, but both the candidates ruled out any political colour in this fight.

Swapan, instead, thanked all the officer-bearers and also sought cooperation from all. He specially mentioned Dey, who had held a responsible post in

the Cricket Association of Bengal

(CAB) before. "We seek guidance from all and is also keen to include Dey in some capacity in the running of the association," he said.

In all 61 votes were cast in which seven vice-presidents and five joint secretaries were also elected. Only treasurer Rupesh Kar was elected the treasurer unopposed.

BOA main office-bearers

President: Swapan Banerjee; Gen Secy: Jahar Das; Treasurer: Rupesh Kar