Election officer gets objections over DDCA proxy candidates, seeks replies

While many of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials have been disqualified, they are still trying to keep their hold through relatives while others are trying to find loopholes for themselves.

With just a day to go for the last day of withdrawal of nominations ahead of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) elections, the pressure is mounting on election officer Rakesh Mehta who has received several objections against members putting up relatives or having conflict of interest.

CK Khanna (C), who is the acting president of the BCCI, has been asked to provide a reply regarding conflict of interest due to the fact that his wife has been controversially fielded for the vice-president’s post in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).(PTI)

Mehta has sought replies and undertakings from officials against whom complaints have been made. DDCA is holding its first elections after Lodha recommendations were brought in.

While many of the officials have been disqualified, they are still trying to keep their hold through relatives while others are trying to find loopholes for themselves.

Mehta has been troubled by factionalism, with factions putting objections against rival candidates.

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“Already 4-5 people have withdrawn but due to conflict of interest. However, these are not for the top posts. We have as many as 112 candidates fighting for just 12 posts – 10-12 for each post,” he said.

Many of these are either spouses, sons and brothers.

Wednesday (May 30) is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. The list will be finalised on Thursday.

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal, presidential candidate who also heads a cricket academy, has given in writing that he would quit if elected.

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However, there are others like BCCI acting president CK Khanna, whose wife has been controversially fielded for the vice-president’s post as he is not eligible to contest.

Khanna has said he will not quit as legally there is nothing wrong in the husband and wife holding posts simultaneously. However, he has been asked to provide a reply regarding conflict of interest.

Meanwhile, this will be the first time DDCA elections will be through electronic as well as manual voting.

The Lodha recommendations have barred the proxy system of voting, directing DDCA members to vote only in person, a clause that has always existed but seldom followed as top officials used proxy to stay in power.

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While members can vote at the Ferozeshah Kotla on June 30, electronic voting will be allowed on June 27, 28 and 29 at the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) headquarters at Jai Singh Road.

As per the latest amendment to the Companies Act (2013), DDCA has to provide an option for electronic voting.

Election officer Mehta said, “The members will get seven hours to vote each day, while only five hours will be given at Kotla on June 30.”