Goa Cricket Association election set to be unopposed, Shekhar Salkar panel withdraws

Panaji: In an anti-climax, the panel headed by Dr Shekhar Salkar has withdrawn from what was supposed to be a bitterly-fought election of the Goa Cricket Association.

The election committee received letter of withdrawal on Saturday, paving way for unopposed election of Chetan Desai-led group. Following this, the committee cancelled tomorrow's election process.

After the controversy surrounding the election reached the Goa bench of Bombay High Court, it allowed election with the condition that results should not be announced until further orders.

The court, which appointed 'election committee' headed by Justice A P Lawande to oversee the process, also pulled up the Salkar-led group for resorting to unfair means.

Finally, BJP MLA and member of GCA managing committee Subhash Faldesai brokered peace.

"Some of the clubs realised that there was no point in fighting election. That is why the peace was brokered between the two factions," said Faldesai, denying that the state government intervened in the matter.

"Being a politician I shouldn't interfere. But I am here as a member of GCA," he said.

Salkar said both the factions will withdraw the police cases filed against each other in the run-up to the election.

Following withdrawal, the election committee cancelled tomorrow's polls.

"All the ordinary and life members have been informed that election to the posts of president, life member and members stands cancelled in view of withdrawal of nominations by the contesting candidates," it said.