MSSA's electoral process questioned by candidates

MSSA electoral candidates Gaurav Sharma and Poonam Khairnar at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

The Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) office witnessed a lot of drama yesterday as prospective candidates, who had filed their nominations for the elections scheduled for July 30 claimed that the entire procedure was incorrect. Gaurav Sharma, popularly known as Indian Spider Man, and his panel, who filed nominations for the polls, have alleged that the MSSA has not submitted its change report and other relevant documents to the Charity Commissioner.

"MSSA is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, but they have not submitted the change reports and audited accounts statement to the Charity Commissioner. This is a fraud," Sharma said at a press conference held at MSSA's Azad Maidan ground yesterday. Sharma alleged MSSA did not follow proper procedures for the acceptance of nomination forms from candidates. "July 23 was the last day of submitting nominations but when we came to the MSSA on Monday at 5.50pm there was no election officer. We submitted our forms to the staff and after the deadline for submission ended at 6pm, Fr Jude Rodrigues [MSSA president] from the outgoing committee asked them to bring the forms to him. He has no right to see the forms."

Sharma added: "At 6.15pm, Ujwala Gaikwad entered the premises and claimed she is the MSSA-appointed election officer but did not have any letter of appointment. MSSA then prepared a back-dated appointment letter." Sharma's panel member Poonam Khairnar said they have approached the Charity Commissioner. "Today, we met Mr Dighe, but no one from MSSA turned up. MSSA must furnish all relevant documents and only then can an independent observer be appointed to ensure free and fair elections," said Khairnar.

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