Two groups jostle for control of GCA, polls today | Goa News
Panaji: History suggests that those who cross swords during elections to the managing committee of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) eventually join hands. Many times, those who are friends in the run up to the polls later have a fall out.It’s what GCA, or rather the power, influence and money, does to you.In a bitterly-fought election three years ago, Vipul Phadke defeated Mahesh Desai by just three votes. On Saturday, on the eve of yet another acrimonious election, the two joined hands and addressed a press conference, flanked by other members of the panel.“Our panel is headed by (former presidents) Chetan Desai and Vinod Phadke,” Vipul announced. For those unaware, Chetan’s brother Mahesh is again the presidential candidate, while Phadke’s son, Vipul, has stepped back, having served as the secretary and president during the last two terms.Their opponent is someone who isn’t even contesting. That’s Rohan Gauns Dessai. Until his election as the joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohan was GCA secretary, elected unopposed in 2022 as two warring factions agreed on his candidature since he enjoyed the obvious support of the state govt.Since then, there’s been a falling out with Rohan now having his own panel, called ‘Parivartan’ or change. Mahesh Candolcar, chief of the Goa Chess Association, is his choice for the president.“We need a change for the betterment of Goan cricket,” said Candolkar. “Our cricket is not moving forward. We need players who can play at the highest level, and for that we need coaches who can improve these players and put up consistent performances at the Ranji Trophy.”In its manifesto, the panel has promised to make Goa a powerhouse of cricket with modern facilities, fair opportunities for players, transparent governance, and collective growth of clubs and cricket lovers across the state.The manifesto said the committee is honest, transparent, and “eager to work tirelessly to uplift cricket in Goa.” The group has focused on financial accountability (quarterly financial statement on the official app), club infrastructure assistance (financial support to create infra), accessibility to clubs, and justice and fairness to all players with a 100% merit-based selection.The opposing group backed by GCA heavyweights like Chetan, Vinod, Vipul, Suraj Lotlikar, all former presidents, and ex-treasurer Akbar Mulla, have not released a manifesto. Instead, as the group professed on Monday, they’ve relied on personal contacts and work done during their own terms.“We need to focus on building infrastructure,” said Mahesh, a former Ranji Trophy cricketer. “The need of the hour is to have an international stadium of our own.”Elections to the GCA managing committee will be held between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday. After the 107 eligible clubs have voted, counting will be taken up at 4pm. The results are expected at 5pm.“I am sure that the clubs will vote sensibly,” said Vipul. “They’ve tried to create this atmosphere through social media and advertisements that the clubs are backing them. It is going to collapse like a house of cards, at 5pm. Mark my words.”
