MCA elections: Freebies for vote?

The high-profile Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) election is turning out into an all out war. The cut-throat competition for the July 15 polls is making several groups and independent candidates resort to unfair means.

It is learnt that voters are being lured with cash incentives, gifts and souvenirs. After all, it was bound to happen when you have 42 candidates filing nominations for only 11 posts.

A prominent voter, who did not want to be named, revealed to MiD DAY that candidates have come up with innovative ways to lure voters.

"Some have promised two memberships per club at the lavish MCA club in Bandra-Kurla complex and five at their upcoming project in Kandivli, if they are voted to power. The cost of one membership at BKC club costs at least R15 lakh for outsiders.

"A group announced that they would increase the subsidy given to the clubs by the MCA. Some give gifts and cricketing souvenirs claiming it as a token of gesture," said the source.

Former MCA vice-president Ravi Savant confirmed that such tactics are being used in the build-up to the elections. "It has come to my notice that several independent candidates are promising voters with a place on the sub-committee. Firstly, an independent candidate can never get you a place in the sub-committee without the support of a group. So, voters need to be cautious when tall promises are being made. My advice would be to stay away from them," Savant, who will contest for the treasurers post, told MiD DAY. "I have heard that even bats are been given to voters. All this is nothing but corruption. It is very sad that these things are happening," added the Bal Mahaddalkar group head. A branded bat would cost at least R5000.

The get-togethers have become lavish as well. A prominent leader threw a mega cocktail party at a five-star hotel on Saturday. A voter present at the function said: "There were at least 10 types of starters, which included almonds, cashew nuts and pistachios. It's amazing how these people are spending so much money. It was so different a few years ago."u00a0

A voter reminisced: "It does not look like an election for the cricket body anymore. The sport has become an easy access to fame and money, and that is why everyone is jumping the bandwagon."u00a0