RCA crises deepens, pro-Modi faction declares 'elections'

Jaipur:

The power struggle in the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) took a dramatic turn on Monday after the pro-Lalit Modi faction, claiming support of 20 districts, announced "fresh elections" on November 18.

The Rajendra Singh Rathore-faction, which had convened an Emergency General Meeting on September 20 and had "removed" Sanjay Dixit from post of president, went a step further and "dissolved" the executive which had come into existence in a high voltage election on March 1 in which Modi had lost to Dixit.

Since then, the RCA has been on the boil and despite surviving the challenge from secretary Ashok Ohri, the ego clashes have pushed it into a virtual "split".

The faction, which had appointed Rathore as the acting president and Giriraj Sanadya as acting secretary, today added the name of Mohammad Iqbal as the acting treasurer claiming that the three would look after the affairs of RCA till the fresh elections are held on November 18.

"the RCA was in a spot because we feel that we have the majority in the AGM while Dixit has it in the executive. Only fresh elections could have solved this deadlock. That is why we have announced the fresh elections which would be held on November 18," Said Rathore who chaired the meeting along with former secretary Subhash Joshi and Giriraj Sanadya on the dais.

On the other hand, Sanjay Dixit rubbished all these claims and said the faction has been unable to digest the defeat in the March elections.

"Ever since, he is trying to sabotage the RCA. But when all their efforts went in vain they have stooped to this level because they are hoping that influence of Modi in the board might come into play if two teams arrive from Rajasthan," said Dixit, who was restrained from interfering in day to day functioning of RCA by a lower court a couple of days back.

"The RCA elections on March 1 were held under Supreme court's supervision. Moreover there is no provision of such moves in the RCA constitution and the State sports act 2005. On the contrary such activities amount to contempt of Court," he added.

The ball is also in BCCI's court as the rival factions of RCA have sent their teams to Indore where the Under-19 women's central zonal tournament might provide the ground for test of strength.

Rajasthan is scheduled to play their first match on Tuesday.