Vilasrao Deshmukh challenges Sharad Pawar on cricket turf

Embattled former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh of the Congress will take on his arch political rival, NCP president and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, on the cricket turf.

Deshmukh, now Union minister for rural development, is all set to run for president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) against Pawar, who has been holding the post for over a decade. "I don't know if Pawar is contesting, but I do plan to throw my hat into the ring," Deshmukh told TOI.

Pawar was first elected MCA president in 2001. The MCA constitution bars its office-bearers from holding a post for eight consecutive years. However, the MCA amended its constitution solely for the benefit of Pawar. As a result, his tenure remains unaffected. "Since Pawar was in the process of being elected ICC president and Mumbai was hosting the World Cup final, the MCA amended the constitution to ensure that he continues to rule the governing body of cricket in Mumbai. The controversial resolution was strongly opposed by only one member," a senior MCA member said.

Although Pawar is yet to take a final call on his candidature, a week ago his supporters had a prolonged meeting to draft a strategy for the MCA polls.

"All the members at the meeting declared their support for Pawar's candidature. We feel that under Pawar's leadership, the MCA, which was in a deep financial crisis, has come out of the red," the MCA member said.

He added that Pawar himself had convened a meeting of all club members to assess their views on his candidature. "Pawar has invited all the members for the special meeting, where he is expected to spell out his plan. In the event of Deshmukh remaining firm on his candidature, Pawar may withdraw from the fray, since he (Pawar) is keen on an unanimous election," he said.

Along with Pawar and Deshmukh, former Test cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar too is likely to enter the fray. In fact, a section of MCA members feel that in view of his contribution to cricket, MCA should be create a special post of executive president for him.

Besides Sharad Pawar and Deshmukh, former chief ministers Manohar Joshi, Narayan Rane, public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP leader Jeetendra Awhad and BJP leader Ashish Shelar comprise the 330-odd club nominees. As per MCA rules, the nominees of the 330 clubs registered with it are eligible to participate in the voting.