Exclusive: DDCA secretary claims ‘sabotage’ after narrow poll victory

A Rohan Jaitley-led panel swept all 12 seats in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) elections held this week, but the clean sweep has been clouded by controversy. One of its key winners, Ashok Sharma, has sensationally alleged cross voting orchestrated against him by a senior leader within his own group in what he describes as an attempt at ‘internal sabotage’.

Sharma, who emerged victorious in the closely contested quadrangular race for the secretary’s post, won by a narrow margin of 149 votes after trailing for much of the counting process. His margin was notably the smallest among the five office-bearer posts secured by the panel candidates. Sharma polled 893 votes, defeating former secretary Vinod Tihara who got 744 votes.

The possibility of cross voting had been suspected even before the elections, as reported by Patriot in its previous issue.

“I was expecting to win by a margin of 400-450 votes. But because of an attempt to internally sabotage my chances by a senior leader of our group, my fight became close, and eventually my margin of victory was significantly reduced,” Sharma said in an exclusive interview with Patriot.

Allegations of cross voting

It is estimated that the senior group leader in question ‘bartered’ around 200 votes with a rival faction. Of the five office-bearer positions, the secretary’s contest attracted the highest number of contestants, with four candidates competing for the post. By contrast, three posts saw triangular fights, and the presidential race was a straight contest between Rohan and former India cricketer Kirti Azad.

Interestingly, two of the secretary’s candidates shared the same name – Sanjay Bhardwaj. One was a former first-class cricketer aligned with Azad’s panel, while the other, a Dronacharya Award-winning coach, was reportedly fielded by the Tihara group, supported by senior Delhi Police officer Rakesh Paweriya, former DDCA president SP Bansal, and former treasurer Narinder Batra, with the aim to split votes and weaken Sharma’s prospects. Former cricketer Bhardwaj polled 512 votes, while the coach secured 151.

The identical names necessitated the inclusion of candidates’ photos alongside their names and allotted ballot numbers on the ballot papers.

Out of 3,747 eligible members, 2,413 voted between December 13 and 15 at the DDCA headquarters located at Ferozshah Kotla grounds. The results were announced on December 16. The 12-member executive committee, which includes seven directors, will serve a three-year term.

‘Internal sabotage’

Sharma said he first noticed something suspicious when he observed a pattern during the vote count. “It became clear to me that some people were voting for the other candidates for the office-bearers’ posts from our group but not for me. These voters were supporters of the senior group leader, so I should have benefitted since we were fighting as a collective,” he said.

The 66-year-old DDCA veteran, who has been associated with the association for over three decades, claimed he saw a clear trend that a particular bloc of voters was avoiding him. “When the other candidates for office-bearer positions were receiving comparable votes, I was the only one not getting the same support. This senior leader of our group ensured cross voting against me, which benefitted my opponents for the secretary’s post,” Sharma alleged.

He further stated, “I counted the cross-voted ballot papers up to 168 and then stopped because I was getting angry. Unfortunately, this senior leader did not support me despite us being from the same group.”

Sharma trailed behind former secretary Tihara until 1,400 votes were counted but eventually pulled ahead to secure his victory. This marks Sharma’s first term as secretary after serving as a director for several years.

“It was clearly a case of internal sabotage. And this group leader, along with a couple of other people in the group, never wanted Sharma to become secretary and that’s why Sharma trailed for a long time. They had an understanding with one of the opposition groups, though Rohan didn’t agree to his plan,” said a Sharma supporter on condition of anonymity.

Also, the Tihara group did not field a presidential candidate, a decision experts believe benefited Jaitley in his fight against Azad.

Rising through the ranks

Sharma stands apart from the typical DDCA administrator in several ways. Known for his integrity and dedication, he has risen through the ranks without the backing of influential figures. Late Arun Jaitley, father of Rohan and a DDCA president, had referred to Sharma as a “crusader” for his relentless pursuit of justice on key issues.

“He is probably the most hardworking and honest person among the elected apex council,” said DDCA life member Pramod Jain. “He still rides a scooter, just like he did when he first started coming to the DDCA many years ago. That is his hallmark. He never compromised his principles, no matter the pressure.”

Jain added, “He has been fighting the system for decades. Now that he is part of it, I hope he can bring about meaningful reforms in the DDCA. But it will require starting from scratch.”

The blueprint for reform

The DDCA has long been marred by controversies, including allegations of unfair player selections, particularly in junior categories, and financial mismanagement. Azad had accused the outgoing regime of financial irregularities, but Sharma emphasised the need for concrete evidence.

“Nobody provides proof of corruption; simply alleging it doesn’t help. Transparency is key, and I will work to ensure its implementation based on my years of experience at the ground level,” he said.

Also Read: Likelihood of cross-voting adds to the intrigue as DDCA gears up for elections

Sharma outlined an ambitious plan to enhance facilities at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and Ferozshah Kotla grounds, as detailed in the panel’s manifesto. “We plan to construct 50 residential rooms, an indoor stadium, a swimming pool, practice wickets, a new bar, and a new card room. These facilities will allow players, teams, and visiting guests from outstation clubs to stay here. A new restaurant on the fourth floor of the new club house will also start functioning within seven days,” Sharma explained.

Improving member facilities is another priority. Sharma noted that many members expressed dissatisfaction with the current amenities, including the two complimentary passes for international matches and the absence of elevators for elderly members.

“By the next IPL matches in March, elevators will be installed, and we are also planning to erect canopies over the members’ stand to provide shade,” he assured.

Looking ahead

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding his election, Sharma remains optimistic. “Whatever has happened is in the past. From now on, we will focus on cricket and improving facilities for members. Most of their demands are legitimate, and we will strive to fulfil them,” he said, outlining his plans for his tenure in one of the most high-profile positions in the DDCA.