The upcoming election for the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has been plunged into controversy, with former Indian cricketer and BJP functionary Kedar Jadhav leveling serious allegations of norm violations and favoritism. The polls, led by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, are scheduled for January 6.
Allegations of Mass Member Induction and Nepotism
Kedar Jadhav, who joined the BJP in April last year, has raised a red flag over the MCA's newly released voter list. He claims that on December 25, the association "suddenly inducted" 401 new life members, dramatically increasing the general body's strength from about 150 to over 600. Jadhav, who has filed his nomination from 'Category A' for patrons and life members, alleges blatant nepotism in this process.
He provided a detailed breakdown, stating that among the new members:
- 25 are close relatives or associates of outgoing apex council members.
- 18 are relatives of Rohit Pawar himself.
- 56 members are directly or indirectly connected to Pawar through his business or as employees.
- 37 are politicians from the NCP.
The controversial list reportedly includes prominent names such as Rohit Pawar's wife Kunti Pawar, his father-in-law Satish Magar, and Revati Sadanand Sule, the daughter of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule.
Flouting Supreme Court and Lodha Committee Directives
Jadhav's core accusation is that the MCA has completely disregarded the Supreme Court-mandated Lodha Committee reforms. These reforms were designed to clean up cricket administration by preventing the formation of dynasties and cozy clubs.
"The process followed by the MCA completely flouts all rules and recommendations of the SC," Jadhav asserted. He emphasized that the Lodha Committee specifically required state associations to seek the Supreme Court's leave before amending their constitution to add members. He claims the MCA did not do this, adopting a "might is right" approach.
Furthermore, Jadhav pointed out another key violation: the Lodha Committee bars office bearers of a cricket association from holding posts in other sports associations. He noted that Rohit Pawar currently also holds the position of President of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association, which contravenes this rule.
Legal Challenge and MCA's Defense
The dispute has now reached the judiciary. Kedar Jadhav and Kamlesh Thakkar of the Latur Cricket Association have filed separate writ petitions in the Bombay High Court, challenging certain decisions by Rohit Pawar. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, January 1st.
While Rohit Pawar was unavailable for comment, a former MCA official defended the process. "All new members were inducted as per norms and under a committee led by a senior HC judge. We are fighting the polls on merit. Some people are unnecessarily politicising the issue," the official stated, adding that the matter is sub judice and there is nothing illegal about the membership drive. Scrutiny of candidates was completed on Saturday at the MCA headquarters in Pune.
As the January 6 election date approaches, the controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between political influence and the administration of sports in India, with the Bombay High Court's upcoming hearing poised to be a critical juncture.
