In a last-minute ruling, the Mumbai Cricket Association decided to allow only voters inside the Wankhede Stadium premises on the voting day yesterday. Unlike every year when the voting used to be held at the MCA parking space, this time the voting booths were installed at the MCA Lounge
Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale arrives at the Wankhede Stadium to cast his vote at the MCA elections yesterday
In a last-minute ruling, the Mumbai Cricket Association decided to allow only voters inside the Wankhede Stadium premises on the voting day yesterday. Unlike every year when the voting used to be held at the MCA parking space, this time the voting booths were installed at the MCA Lounge.
Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale arrives at the Wankhede Stadium to cast his vote at the MCA elections yesterday
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Due to the ruling, a lot of club secretaries and supporters were not allowed inside the Vinoo Mankad Gate which did not go down well with a lot of voters. Shafiq Patel of Apollo Club refused to cast his vote until his club secretary Farooq was allowed inside the premises. "This is an insult. Had the MCA informed us about this ruling then he would have probably not come," an agitated Patel said.
Patel finally cast his vote after his club secretary was permitted inside. MCA's incumbent Joint Secretary Nitin Dalal told mid-day: "The police suggested to have such a system for a smooth process." The entire D Road was cordoned off with no traffic allowed till results were declared.
New voting system
For the first time, the MCA introduced yellow and white ballot papers to simplify the process of counting and casting votes. All contestants for office-bearers were put on white paper while contestants of Managing Committee were on the yellow ballot paper. All voters acknowledged the new system adopted in voting
this time.
Pawar kept on toes
Sharad Pawar, who was contesting for the MCA chief's post after 14 years, preferred to stand throughout the three hours when voting was being conducted. The veteran politician met each and every voter when they entered the MCA Lounge and also spoke to them as they left.