The Hindu
Bangalore, Sep 10: A mixed verdict emerged in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections held here on Sunday afternoon.
The tussle between the current ruling body led by secretary Brijesh Patel and the rival faction led by the scion of the Mysore royal family — Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar — led to an almost even finish though the Wadiyar camp gained 13 of the 24 posts up for grabs while the Patel group had to settle for 11.
Narrow win
Wadiyar won the presidential race, garnering 553 votes and pipped batting great G.R. Viswanath (516) by 37 votes. Meanwhile, Brijesh Patel retained his secretary’s post, gaining 568 votes and defeating G. Kasturirangan (475) by 93 votes.
Venkatesh is treasurer
In the race for three vice-presidents, two of the Patel camp – Roger Binny and Dr. Krishna Murthy along with one from the Wadiyar camp – Ashok Anand won. The treasurer’s post was won by Patel’s candidate – Thallam Venkatesh (534) who defeated fancied V. Jagannath (490).
“We have got overall 13 candidates and its up to the rival group to work with us,” said Wadiyar while G.R. Viswanath conceded defeat in the presidential election.
“Even as a player I always expected to do well and same was the case here. I accept the verdict but I am still hopeful of playing well and this is not the end of the story,” Viswanath said.
Mallya assures help
Meanwhile industrialist Vijay Mallya, a key supporter of Wadiyar and also president of Select Cricketers, won as an institutional member. “I know it is a kind of a coalition set-up but I will help both parties function well. My commitment to Karnataka cricket is total,” Mallya said.
Record turnout
In the afternoon, a record-high of 1082 votes were cast before the ballots were sealed at 7 p.m.
The voting earlier commenced at 1 p.m. and gathered steam as a slew of cars constantly swung in through the association gates.
The most heartening aspect of the elections was the spirit displayed by a bunch of septuagenarians, mostly wheel-chair bound, who turned up to cast their votes. “I have never missed an election since the association’s inception,” said 75-year old Narayana Rao.
The office-bearers: President: Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.
Secretary: Brijesh Patel; Vice-presidents: P.R. Ashok Anand, Krishna Murthy and Roger Binny. Treasurer: Tallam Venkatesh.
Managing committee members: J. Abhiram, A.V. Jayaprakash, C.R. Lakshminarayan, Raghuram Bhat, Sanjay Desai and Sudhakar Rao.
Institutional members in Bangalore Zone: Jawahars SC, Select Cricketers, Bangalore Cricketers, Malleswaram UCC, Swastic UCC and Mount Joy CC.
Institutional members from other zones: Mysore: National CC.
Shimoga: Durgigudi CA.
Tumkur: Tumkur Occassionals.
Dharwad: Hubli SC.
Mangalore: Mangalore SC.
Raichur: Perfect SC.