On the eve of its highly anticipated elections, the Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) office is abuzz with activity. Members are expected to cast their vote between 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm on Monday.
The Astro Turf at the MHA is symbolic of the paralysed state of the sport in Mumbai. It’s bumpy, worn-out and needs urgent attention. It’s after six years that the ballot will be cast for various MHA posts, but there remains a sense of disenchantment among those who promote the game.
“Why should we care about the election?” asked one of the coaches. “Many people have come and gone over the years but the sport has died. We need proper governance.”
It is proper governance that both the factions involved are promising.
Current MHA secretary Kehar Singh calls himself ‘the blessed one.’ He and his supporters, including former India skipper Dhanraj Pillay and ex-goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi among others, claim they have done all they could to promote the game. However, the last minute withdrawal of their presidential candidate, Charanjit Singh Chadda, has raised a few eyebrows. Chadda was not reachable and no reason was given for his withdrawal. Members of the panel said it was his ‘personal choice’.
Meanwhile, Gurbux Singh has a brigade of former Olympians, international umpires and businessmen lobbying for him. The Parivartan Panel, as they call themselves, promise the revival of tournaments which have died a slow death. Both factions promise to build an ultra-modern complex that will house a stylish club house. They also promise to replace the Astro Turf at the BHA stadium. They are also ready to lay a new Astro Turf in the suburbs.
Kehar’s timely launch of the MHA website (www.mumbaihockey.com) last Thursday and a promise to name one of the stands after Pillay are well-timed efforts. While both warring factions have made promises galore, it will be interesting to see who keeps their word. But first they need to win the election.
Terrorist jibe upsets Pillay
On the eve of elections, Dhanraj Pillay said he was insulted by the Parivartan Panel’s motto, which called the opposition terrorists. The manifesto of the Parivartan Panel stated ‘Vote for a change! Vote against Terrorism!’
“I feel insulted when someone calls us terrorists. I have given my life for this game. Is winning medals and sweating it out for your country terrorism?” asked Dhanraj, who is supporting the Kehar Singh faction. Mir Ranjan Negi, who is contesting for the managing committee’s post echoed Dhanraj’s views.
City Limouzines Ltd, managing director, SM Masood, whose company also sponsors the Indian women’s hockey team, said he would support the Kehar faction. “I am glad to be associated with them. If this group gets selected we would be happy to support them,” said Masood.
Rivals fear bogus voting
With no neutral observer for the polls, the Parivartan Panel fear malpractices by the current body during the elections. They have written a letter to DCP Zone One Vishwas Nagre-Patil and to the Marine Drive police station and brought them up to date with the situation. Heavy police protection is expected during the voting and counting hours. Veteran journalist SK Shyam, appointed by Kehar, will be the polling officer.
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