119 nominations valid, Dalmiya remains two love up

Kolkata, July 27 (UNI) The CAB elections look delicately poised with the completion of scrutiny today, as election observer S K Phouzdar published the list of 119 affiliates, signalling an apparent 2-0 advantage for the ruling faction, even as incumbent president Jagmohan Dalmiya and his adversary Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee both oozed confidence about the outcome.

Taking up the process from yesterday, court-appointed Election Observer S K Phouzdar along with Mr Dalmiya and Mr Mukherjee sat for going through the five clubs, which were under scanner.

The clubs were Bata Sporting, Rangers Club, Victoria Club, Narkeldanga Sir Gurudas Institute and Ballygunje Sporting Club.

While Bata and Rangers were rejected for faulty filing of nomination, the other three were allowed after considering all sides.

Ranjit Gupta, representing Victoria, said, ''I came to clear the clarification. Our submissions were heard and the observer was happy. I will represent the club in the election.'' Raja Venkat, representing Ballygunje Sporting and is a joint- secretary candidate of the rival group, said, ''There was a minor problem. My lawyers explained the case. The secretary and vice-president were present. The observer was happy. He has cleared the case. I was not even called.'' Narkeldanga's case that also hinged on a contested signature was cleared.

Finally after a wait of about five hours the voter's list was published that featured 119 names, including 18 districts, eight universities, 37 first division clubs, 55 second division clubs and one WB Office Sports Federation.

Earlier in the day, Ajit Panja presented himself before the election observer and clarified his case.

Mr Panja came to CAB early in the morning and met Mr Phouzdar and explained that he had signed for the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) president's post by mistake.

Talking to reporters, he said, ''I have talked to Mr Phouzdar in presence of both the valid candidates-- Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya and Mr Prasun Mukherjee and explained my situation to them. Mr Phouzdar heard the whole thing and understood the situation.'' ''But, I will come on the day of election as a nominee of the High Court club,'' he said.

There will be only two names on the ballot paper for the president's post. ''The comedy of errors has been cleared,'' Mr Panja said.

UNI BA SJC DH RAI1904