Rohan Dessai in BCCI's final electoral roll, says truth prevails

Panaji: Rohan Gauns Dessai has been cleared by the electoral officer as Goa’s nominated representative for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annual general body meeting, where five key office-bearers are to be elected.
AK Joti, the Board’s electoral officer, has released the final electoral roll with Dessai as the representative of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), overruling an objection from former president Vipul Phadke.
The all-clear means Dessai, currently joint secretary of the BCCI, is now favourite to retain the post when elections are held on Sept 28.
"They did everything they could to stop my nomination but, ultimately, truth prevails,” Rohan told TOI late on Friday. “For reasons best known to them, there was a deliberate attempt to keep Goa out of the AGM. An email was also sent to the Board that Goa will not nominate anyone. This was a fight for Goan cricket.”
Rohan enjoyed support of five members within the previous seven-member managing committee. Those backing the former GCA secretary included Rupesh Naik (jt secretary), Daya Pagi (treasurer), Rajesh Patnekar (member) and two Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) representatives, Aditya Angle and Daisy D'Souza.
Two members – president Vipul Phadke and vice president Shamba Dessai – were at the opposite end.
“When there is a majority, one person cannot dictate (terms). The Lodha Committee reforms were in place because of such cases, to prevent high-end decisions. I fought not for myself, but to ensure that Goan cricket does not go unrepresented. When I am in a position (as BCCI joint secretary), I cannot keep my state without a voting right,” said Dessai.
The confusion over Dessai’s nomination stems from the infighting within the GCA and subsequent elections.
Dessai had his own panel, while Phadke, who joined hands with former presidents Chetan Desai, Suraj Lotlikar and his father, Vinod, all came together to retain control of the association.
The Phadke-Dessai panel eventually won the election 6-0 early this week.
Rohan, though, will continue to be Goa’s face at the Board, despite attempt by the rival group to thwart him.
“The nomination has not been forwarded by the authorised representative of GCA,” Phadke had said in his complaint. “In terms of clause 6(E)(3)(b), the secretary is empowered to carry on all correspondence in the name of the association. The nomination of Rohan Desai has been forwarded by the joint secretary, who has no power under the Constitution of the GCA. The Form A has also not been signed by the authorised signatory of the association.”
The BCCI has scheduled its much-awaited AGM on Sept 28, the day of the Asia Cup final. The general body will meet at 11.30am at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai to, among other business, conduct elections for its office-bearers.