ISL Referee to West Bengal Election: Pratik Mondal controlling one Battle, Fighting another as ISF Candidate

Pratik Mondal, a prominent Indian Super League (ISL) referee, has made headlines by transitioning from the football pitch to the political arena.

The 36-year-old referee from Bamanpukur in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, is contesting the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 from the Minakhan constituency as a candidate of the Indian Secular Front (ISF), backed by Left Front.

Mondal's journey in refereeing is inspiring. Hailing from humble beginnings, he overcame numerous challenges to rise through the ranks of Kolkata Maidan football.

He has officiated numerous matches in the Calcutta Football League, I-League, Super Cup, and notably in the ISL, earning recognition as a reliable and firm match official. As recently as early April 2026, he was seen refereeing high-profile ISL encounters, including the recent match between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters.

Minakhan, located in the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas, is a constituency where a large section of the population depends on fishing and aquaculture. The area faces significant local issues, particularly the pollution of the Vidhyadhari River, which severely impacts fish farming and the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen. Mondal has emphasized that, if elected, his priority would be addressing these grassroots problems. He aims to become a "whistle-blower" for the people, raising their concerns in the Assembly and working towards restoring a clean and healthy environment for the fishing community.

In interviews, Mondal has spoken about his long-standing involvement in social work alongside refereeing. He believes the people of Minakhan are seeking change and wants to bring discipline and fairness, qualities honed on the football field, to governance. He has vowed to show the "red card" to terror, corruption, and malpractices in the area, much like he does on the pitch. Contesting against candidates from major parties like Trinamool Congress and BJP, Mondal draws strength from local support, stating that "the people are my power."

As the election approaches, all eyes are on whether Mondal can convert his popularity from the ISL and local football circles into electoral success in Minakhan.

His campaign blends the discipline of refereeing with the aspirations of a constituency yearning for genuine representation and solutions to everyday struggles. In the field of ISL, he is controlling a battle, and on the other hand, he will take centre stage in another battle.