With Sharad Pawar reportedly not pushing for the post of BCCI president, Rajeev Shukla has been places as a big favourite to take over the coveted post. Shukla just needs a proposer and seconder from East Zone as it is their turn to field the BCCI's top post. However, things are turning out to be fairly interesting with East Zone expected to field joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary of Jharkhand as their candidate.
But it remains to be seen if any of the other cricket state associations from Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tripura decide to propose Shulka's name, which will make matters even more interesting. However Arun Jaitley, who will play an important part in deciding the BCCI's top post, is reportedly favouring favouring Shukla.
The post has been left vacant after the demise of BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya on Sunday.
Shulka, who wanted to fight for the president's post in the last BCCI elections, might get a chance this time around, though, there are complications in this regard.
"Basically, the ruling party [BJP] will have a major influence on this issue, which is why Jaitley holds the key. Shukla is an amiable, clean man, who is acceptable to all factions in the BCCI. He was interested in becoming the BCCI president even in the last election, but was left fighting for the vice-president's post, which he lost," The Times of India quoted BCCI official as saying.
The East Zone officials, after having long discussions, decided to put in their own candidate. In all probability, they are going to go in for Chaudhary, who is backed by at least four East Zone units. More importantly, Chaudhary has a good rapport with former BCCI boss, N Srinivasan, who could have a huge say in the matter, as he still has a lot of support in the BCCI.
"He [Amitabh Chaudhary] had been an IPS officer, has managed Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), has attended AGM and is an office-bearer. At least, four East Zone units will back Chaudhary's candidature. Our contention is till 2017, it should be someone from the East Zone. If not, then one can't rule out the possibility of an election. You can be rest assured if Pawar fights, CAB and NCC won't vote for him," PTI quoted senior East Zone official as saying.
The Special General Meeting (SGM) to elect the next president will be held within the next fortnight or so. The meeting will be convened by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.
