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OCA polls likely to be a low-key affair

CUTTACK: Contrary to expectations, elections to the Orissa Cricket Association (OCA), slated for August 17, is going to be a low-key affair going by the stature of the candidates who remain in the fray. Barring political stalwarts like sitting president Ranjib Biswal and honorary secretary Ashirbad Behera, all the remaining 30 candidates who will be contesting for as many as 14 posts are less known in political circles.

But the situation was quite electrifying about a month ago when it was speculated that BJD Rajya Sabha member Pyari Mohan Mohapatra and Athagarh legislator R.P. Swain, a former minister, would throw their hats in the ring. Mohapatra, however, came out with a statement saying he was dropping the idea in view of his commitments to the party for the ensuing general elections. But it is not known why Swain, a former OCA president, backed out.

After the scrutiny of nomination papers, it is now believed that the Behera camp, which has been calling the shots in OCA for last two terms, would romp home easily once again. Entering into a direct contest against Sundargarh’s Anand Chandra Naik, Mr. Behera is set to retain the secretary’s post for the third consecutive term.

An able sports organiser and a former athlete, Mr. Behera was first elected to the post in 2000 and in 2004 he retained the post. Also as Orissa Olympic Association secretary and chief of Cuttack district athletic association, Mr. Behera has a strong clout in the affairs of all the sporting bodies in the State. Sports organisers believe that it would be a cakewalk for Mr. Behera and his panel again in the OCA polls.

Mr. Behera was also instrumental to rope in former junior India captain Ranjib Biswal, now a member of national selectors committee to contest the post of president in the last quadrennial elections. This time Mr. Biswal, however, is pitched against former OCA treasurer Pradeep Chauhan, a cricket organiser of repute and a bete noire of Behera.

Mr. Chauhan is definitely going to put Mr. Biswal in some deep trouble as he has a strong follower in OCA circle. The OCA has 148 votes drawn from different districts, colleges, schools and clubs of the state.

Barring the direct contest for president and secretary, the post of treasurer would also witness a direct contest whereas 19 candidates are in the fray for eight vice-president posts and eight candidates are vying for three joint secretary posts.

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