Vadodara, 15 December 2013

All eyes in Vadodara are on the result of Baroda Cricket Association(BCA) election results. The election was held today and out of total 2378 voters, 1925 (80.95%) exercised their voting rights.

In the last election 1300 voters had exercised their voting rights. Expected turnout this year was around 1800. However it has crossed 1900 figure.

Alembic industry’s Chirayu Amin is contesting for 27th time for the post of President of BCA. Royal family’s Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is contesting for the first time for the post of President. Thus this elections is described as the clash of titans.

Chirayu Amin has been supported by former cricketers while Samarjitsinh is supported by former Chirayu Amin supporter Sanjay Patel.

The election was held today at Badminton court near BCA office during 11.00 am and 7.30 pm.

Political parties have not openly supported any candidate. However local MP Balu Shukla’s team is backing Chirayu Amin to defeat Samarjitsinh just to ensure that Samarjitsinh could not get BJP ticket to contest from Vadodara in next year’s general elections. MLA Yogesh Patel, Rajendra Trivedi, former MP Jayaben Thakkar, VUDA chief Naran Patel, powerful Councillor Shailesh Sotta etc are supporting Samarjitsinh openly.

Locals believe that after 26 years of rule by one person, now Samarjitsinh should be elected to bring change. Samarjitsinh’s aggressive stand on the need for new cricket stadium of BCA, his success in running other sports club etc are his plus point. Gaekwad family is synonym of Vadodara, and therefore the locals see Gaekwad’s victory as Vadodara’s victory and his defeat as Vadodara’s defeat.

On the other hand some locals also believe that Chirayu Amin has been as president for last 26 years, and he has enough experience to contest and win the elections. He has fortified BCA so much, that to defeat him is very difficult. Gaekwad could challenge him because he is powerful, he is from Royal family, and highly respected. Otherwise one could not challenge Chirayu Amin. Some also believe that though Samarjitsinh is a good person, his aide Sanjay Patel is unpopular due to his conduct, and this factor can spoil Gaekwad’s chances.

Highlights

– Voting area was secured with CCTV cameras, single gate entry and exit 35 security guard, 10 police men, 10 election staff, 2 scrutiny points, volunteers and the agents representing both groups.

– Each voter was given 11 ballet papers.

-At one time 62 voters could vote.

-Counting for the post of president and vice president to be held on Monday.

-Counting for other posts to take place on Tuesday.

-Counting for all posts could go on for three days.

-The official results will be declared in next annual general meeting.

-Today’s voting was held after annual general meeting.