Cheering, rivalry and big turnout: Inside BCA elections 2026

Vadodara: The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections on Sunday witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with 1,430 members casting their votes at the Rambaug polling centre amid loud cheers and fervent slogans from supporters of both the Revival Group and the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group.Royal scion Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, heading the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group, said, "The large turnout shows that members want their voices to be heard. It indicates the winds of change, and I think it is in our favour." By noon, nearly 700 of the estimated 1,900 voters had cast their ballots.Senior citizens were seen entering the polling booth in wheelchairs, with poll officers checking identity cards of each member. Pranav Amin, leader of the Revival Group, was present outside the booth, urging members to support his candidates.Former India cricketer Kiran More, contesting for the president's post from the Revival Group, expressed confidence in his group's victory. "The members are smart, and they know who worked for cricket development in the city," he told TOI.The Royal Satyamev Jayate Group's presidential candidate Darshan Banker, said their organized campaign and personal outreach to members helped secure votes. However, the final outcome remains uncertain as a petition regarding the eligibility of some candidates is being heard in the Gujarat high court.The election campaign between the two groups turned bitter in recent days. Amin accused the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group of running a negative campaign and publicly shared his WhatsApp chats with Gaekwad. In response, Gaekwad accused the Revival Group of arrogance and said Amin treated him with disrespect.Several former cricketers, including Nayan Mongia and Connor Williams, as well as ex-women cricketers Mangala Babar and Gita Gaekwad, were present outside the polling centre.BOXPoll boxes under tight securityAll ballot boxes will be stored under heavy security in a strong room at Hill Memorial School until the court delivers its verdict. Poll officials said the room has a single entry and exit point, which will be guarded by the police.