MLA Dipendu set to play for Mohammedan Sporting

KOLKATA: He may have dived headlong into politics, but football continues to rule newly-elected MLA Dipendu Biswas' heart. The former India striker is set to sign up for Mohammedan Sporting Club this season, hoping to play a few matches in the CFL Premier Division. On Thursday, he joined the black-and-white brigade's practice session under coach Mridul Banerjee.
"Being an MLA is a huge responsibility and my hands are full, but my passion for football has not diminished one bit.That's why, I've decided to keep playing club football," Dipendu, who won the Basirhat (South) assembly as a Trinamool Congress candidate, said after the practice session.
"It will take 10-15 days for me to get match-fit. I'm looking forward to playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club and score a few goals in the local league," he maintained. "I'm still capable of shining as a footballer in competitive matches," he pointed out.
Dipendu's move comes close on the heels of Bengal’s former cricket captain and fellow Trinamool Congress MLA, Laxmi Ratan Shukla's decision to turn out for Mohun Bagan in a CAB match after winning the assembly election. Shukla, who represented Mohun Bagan in the semifinal of the P Sen Trophy last month, is now a minister of state for sports and youth affairs.
Dipendu had played for Tollygunge Agragami in last year’s CFL Premier Division and scored a couple of goals. He had last turned out for Mohammedan Sporting in 2013-14.
Dipendu, who had joined Mohun Bagan after graduating from the Tata Football Academy in 1996, will be completing two decades in top-flight football.
Dipendu, however, assured that he wouldn’t let football interfere with his duties and responsibilities as an MLA.
"I can balance the two. It's not going to be a problem," he insisted.