Did the Sharad Pawar Panel Secure a Dominant Victory in MCA Elections?
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Synopsis
The Sharad Pawar Panel's significant win in the MCA elections has raised eyebrows as Ajinkya Naik remains president unopposed, backed by political giants. Discover how the elections unfolded and the surprising withdrawals that shaped the results.
Key Takeaways
- Sharad Pawar Panel dominated the MCA elections, securing 12 posts.
- Ajinkya S Naik retained the presidency unopposed, showcasing political alliances.
- Withdrawals from key candidates altered the election landscape.
- The Vice-President position went to Jitendra Awhad after a competitive vote.
- Political backing is crucial in sports governance in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Nov 12 (NationPress) The influential Sharad Pawar Panel captured 12 out of the 16 positions available in the managing committee elections of the Mumbai Cricket Association, held on Wednesday.
Notably, they did not secure the prestigious role of President, which was retained by the incumbent Ajinkya S Naik without opposition. Naik is perceived to have the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but he also sought blessings from former MCA and BCCI President Sharad Pawar prior to the elections. The pathway for Naik's unopposed election was facilitated by a meeting between Pawar and Fadnavis.
Several prominent candidates, including former India women's team captain Diana Edulji and BJP MLC Prasad Lad, withdrew from the presidential race. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA and former minister Jitendra Awhad opted to run for the vice-president position, as did Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar, who sought a seat on the Apex Council.
The Sharad Pawar Panel successfully secured the Vice-President position through Jitendra Awhad, who defeated his rival Navin Krishna Shetty with a tally of 201-155 votes. Umesh Khanwilkar triumphed in the Secretary role with 227 votes against Shahalam Shaikh's 122, while Nilesh Bhosale was elected as joint-secretary with 228 votes to 129. In the Treasurer contest, Surendra Shewale managed 119 votes, falling short against Arman Mallick's 228.
In addition to these key positions, Pradeep Gupta and Kenny Bharat Sachidanand were elected as Council Members from the panel, while Vignesh Kadam, Nadeem Menon, Milind Narvekar (who retained his position), and Vikas Repale were elected to the Apex Council.
Apart from them, Pramod Yadav, Suraj Samant, and Sandeep Vichare joined as Apex Council Members, with Neel Sawant being elected as an Independent Apex Council Member. Rajdipkumar Gupta was elected unopposed as the chairman of the governing council.
The election process for many of these candidates was simplified as several potential competitors withdrew following discussions among top political leaders.
Point of View
The recent outcomes in the MCA elections reflect shifting dynamics in cricket administration, particularly in Maharashtra. The unopposed election of Ajinkya Naik raises questions about the influence of political affiliations in sports governance. As these developments unfold, it’s crucial to monitor how this panel will steer cricket in Mumbai amidst its political backing.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions were contested in the MCA elections?
The elections included 16 positions for the managing committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Who was elected President of the MCA?
Ajinkya S Naik was elected unopposed as President of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
How many posts did the Sharad Pawar Panel win?
The Sharad Pawar Panel won 12 out of the 16 contested posts.
What role did political support play in the elections?
Ajinkya Naik's unopposed election was facilitated by political support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and former MCA President Sharad Pawar.
Who were some of the notable candidates that withdrew from the election?
Notable candidates like Diana Edulji and Prasad Lad withdrew from contesting the President's post.
