VADODARA:  The city of Vadodara is witnessing a “high-voltage” administrative battle today, February 15, as voting is currently in progress for the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections. Coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, the election has moved beyond a mere administrative process to become a battle of prestige between two prominent local figures.

A Clash of Titans: More vs. Banker

The race for the presidency has narrowed down to a direct “kaante ki takkar” (neck-and-neck fight) between two distinct personalities:

• Kiran More (Revival Group): The former international cricketer is leveraging his vast sporting experience and the construction of the Kotambi stadium as his primary campaign pillars.
• Dr. Darshan Banker (Royal Satyamev Jayate Group): A well-known cardiologist, Dr. Banker represents a new “professional vision” and is campaigning on a slogan of change and transparency.

Power Alliances and High Stakes

The election has gained significant “hype” due to the strategic alliances formed this year. Dr. Banker is backed by the Royal Group, led by Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, which has joined forces with the Satyamev Jayate Group. This coalition is challenging the Revival Group, led by businessman and current BCA President Pranav Amin, the Captain of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

At stake is the control of the BCA’s massive administration, which manages an estimated Rs. 300 crore. The Revival Group is seeking a mandate based on their development work, while the Royal-Satyamev Jayate alliance is pushing for a shift in leadership style and has raised allegations regarding the costs of stadium construction.

Voting Logistics and Efficiency

To manage the electorate—estimated at approximately 2,350 eligible members (with 1,994 to 2,064 active voters depending on the list)—the Chief Electoral Officer has implemented a sophisticated, color-coded voting system.

• Voters have been divided into four different color codes.
• This arrangement allows members to go directly to designated tables, preventing chaos and ensuring a fast, transparent process.
• Polling began at 9:00 AM and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM this evening.

The Battle for Transparency

The run-up to today’s vote was marked by concerns over the voter list. Authorities identified 70 suspicious names on the rolls—individuals who were rumored to have passed away. To prevent dummy voting, the election staff has highlighted these names in bold and required official death certificates to clear the confusion.

The Road Ahead

The outcome of today’s “Grand Final” will determine the future direction of the BCA, one of the three independent cricket associations in Gujarat alongside GCA and SCA. Political circles suggest that the BJP’s internal mandate could play a decisive role in the final tally.

As the 1,994 voters act as the “third umpire” today, the city awaits the results to see if they will opt for the “steady innings” of the Revival Group or the “aggressive shot for change” promised by the Royal-Satyamev Jayate alliance. The new elected body will have three-year term. DeshGujarat