Latest news with #Bihani
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New RCA ad hoc panel springs into action
Jaipur: The newly appointed Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee got off to a brisk start on its first day, assuming charge here on Sunday. Led by convenor Deendayal Kumawat and joined by members Dhananjai Singh Khimsar, Pinkesh Porwal, Ashish Tiwari and Mohit Yadav, the committee moved swiftly, dissolving all previous committees and sub-committees formed by former convenor, BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani, with immediate effect. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new panel's actions signal a fresh start for RCA, aiming to address the fallout from Bihani's tenure, which was plagued by accusations of mismanagement and political overreach. Speaking on being appointed as the new coordinator, Kumawat thanked chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and cooperation minister Gautam Kumar Dak for entrusting the committee with revitalising Rajasthan cricket. "Our focus is to resolve disputes, ensure transparency and prioritise cricket," he told the media. In its first meeting, the committee unanimously made several key decisions: revoking the Lokpal and ethics officer appointments made by Bihani 'without consensus' to address procedural concerns raised in prior reports; announcing a comprehensive review of RCA's financial operations to ensure accountability, following allegations of mismanagement under the previous panel; and bring RCA's sports activities back on track. Moreover, in a gesture of goodwill, the committee welcomed the Jaipur team, winners of the Colvin Shield state-level senior cricket competition, to the RCA Academy, and presented them with the shield. Bihani condemns new committee's decisions: Bihani stated that the general body's decisions cannot be altered again by the ad hoc committee, as per the Rajasthan Sports Act 2005. He emphasised that only the general body has the authority to make or change decisions, accusing the current panel of violating RCA's constitution. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He claimed the ad hoc committee's role is limited to conducting elections and criticised its overreach, vowing to expose the political interference behind these moves. He further stated that he would fight against the corrupt district associations and demanded a government agency investigate the corruption, questioning the sudden opening of the RCA office at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajasthan Cricket Association: A power struggle amid govt silence
1 2 Jaipur: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is grappling with unprecedented turmoil as its govt-appointed ad hoc committee, tasked with conducting elections, has overstayed its tenure by over a year, a first in the association's history. On June 27, the panel, formed on March 28, 2024, will complete five tenures. Unlike the 2014–2017 period, when an ad hoc panel managed RCA affairs due to suspension by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) over Lalit Modi's controversial reappointment, the current crisis stems from political interference and committee infighting. Led by BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani, the committee is now plagued by internal rifts, with members accusing each other of power grabs and mismanagement. The infighting has reduced the six-member panel to a two-member team, raising questions about Rajasthan govt's silence despite its authority to resolve the crisis. Bihani, an MLA from Sriganganagar, wields significant influence within the committee due to his political stature. His position as a BJP legislator grants him leverage over other members, enabling unilateral decisions that have fueled dissent. Bihani's actions, such as suspending the Pali and Bikaner District Cricket Associations (DCA) and forming selection committees without proper procedure, have been criticized as authoritarian. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Four committee members, Dhananjai Singh Khimsar, Dharamveer Singh Sekhawat, Ratan Singh, and Harish Chandra Singh, have openly rebelled, accusing Bihani of using political clout to marginalize them and undermine RCA's democratic processes. They allege he has neglected meetings for months and made baseless match-fixing allegations against the Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2025, prompting the franchise to lodge complaints with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) and other authorities. The state govt's inaction has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the ad hoc committee's prolonged tenure, originally set for three months with a subsequent extension, has delayed RCA elections indefinitely. "Bihani is from the ruling party but seems to have support from a central leader, openly confronting the sports minister/government. The ad hoc was created for reasons now happening. Three months have turned into five extensions, a mockery," said a source. Bihani, however, refuted the claims. "CM sir doesn't pay attention to cricket, so to say that I am getting his support is wrong. But yes, if I had done anything wrong while running RCA, he would have reprimanded me. The only interference there is, is from the Sports Council. I will comment on this tomorrow if the ad hoc panel gets an extension," Bihani told TOI. Meanwhile, former CM Ashok Gehlot also waded into the issue, criticizing the govt's silence and alleging on X that infighting in RCA had disappointed cricket lovers and made it challenging to organize the IPL. "Elections should have been held within three months, yet it's been one and a half years," Gehlot said, adding that during his son, Vaibhav Gehlot's tenure as RCA president, the association hosted international matches and initiated projects like a world-class stadium, which are now stalled. Sources attributed the delay in RCA elections to the "entry of too many politicians' sons". Notable names include Jodhpur DCA president Dhananjai Singh Khimsar (son of health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar), Banswara DCA president Prempratap Singh Malviya (son of BJP leader Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya), Baran DCA treasurer Pawan Dilawar (son of education minister Madan Dilawar), Churu DCA president Parakram Singh Rathore (son of former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Singh Rathore), Sikar DCA treasurer Ashish Tiwari (son of Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari), Alwar DCA president Mohit Yadav (son of former BJP minister Jaswant Yadav), and Sirohi DCA president Vikram Dewasi (son of panchayati raj, rural development and disaster management minister Otaram Dewasi). "Too many sons of politicians want to marry a single bride - RCA. So best is to avoid marriage. They don't want to do things in haste and repent later," a source said. eom Jaipur: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is grappling with unprecedented turmoil as its govt-appointed ad hoc committee, tasked with conducting elections, has overstayed its tenure by over a year, a first in the association's history. On June 27, the panel, formed on March 28, 2024, will complete five tenures. Unlike the 2014–2017 period, when an ad hoc panel managed RCA affairs due to suspension by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) over Lalit Modi's controversial reappointment, the current crisis stems from political interference and committee infighting. Led by BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani, the committee is now plagued by internal rifts, with members accusing each other of power grabs and mismanagement. The infighting has reduced the six-member panel to a two-member team, raising questions about Rajasthan govt's silence despite its authority to resolve the crisis. Bihani, an MLA from Sriganganagar, wields significant influence within the committee due to his political stature. His position as a BJP legislator grants him leverage over other members, enabling unilateral decisions that have fueled dissent. Bihani's actions, such as suspending the Pali and Bikaner District Cricket Associations (DCA) and forming selection committees without proper procedure, have been criticized as authoritarian. Four committee members, Dhananjai Singh Khimsar, Dharamveer Singh Sekhawat, Ratan Singh, and Harish Chandra Singh, have openly rebelled, accusing Bihani of using political clout to marginalize them and undermine RCA's democratic processes. They allege he has neglected meetings for months and made baseless match-fixing allegations against the Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2025, prompting the franchise to lodge complaints with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) and other authorities. The state govt's inaction has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the ad hoc committee's prolonged tenure, originally set for three months with a subsequent extension, has delayed RCA elections indefinitely. "Bihani is from the ruling party but seems to have support from a central leader, openly confronting the sports minister/government. The ad hoc was created for reasons now happening. Three months have turned into five extensions, a mockery," said a source. Bihani, however, refuted the claims. "CM sir doesn't pay attention to cricket, so to say that I am getting his support is wrong. But yes, if I had done anything wrong while running RCA, he would have reprimanded me. The only interference there is, is from the Sports Council. I will comment on this tomorrow if the ad hoc panel gets an extension," Bihani told TOI. Meanwhile, former CM Ashok Gehlot also waded into the issue, criticizing the govt's silence and alleging on X that infighting in RCA had disappointed cricket lovers and made it challenging to organize the IPL. "Elections should have been held within three months, yet it's been one and a half years," Gehlot said, adding that during his son, Vaibhav Gehlot's tenure as RCA president, the association hosted international matches and initiated projects like a world-class stadium, which are now stalled. Sources attributed the delay in RCA elections to the "entry of too many politicians' sons". Notable names include Jodhpur DCA president Dhananjai Singh Khimsar (son of health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar), Banswara DCA president Prempratap Singh Malviya (son of BJP leader Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya), Baran DCA treasurer Pawan Dilawar (son of education minister Madan Dilawar), Churu DCA president Parakram Singh Rathore (son of former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Singh Rathore), Sikar DCA treasurer Ashish Tiwari (son of Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari), Alwar DCA president Mohit Yadav (son of former BJP minister Jaswant Yadav), and Sirohi DCA president Vikram Dewasi (son of panchayati raj, rural development and disaster management minister Otaram Dewasi). "Too many sons of politicians want to marry a single bride - RCA. So best is to avoid marriage. They don't want to do things in haste and repent later," a source said. eom
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Colvin Shield: Open selection trials in Pali, Bikaner & Jodhpur
1 2 Jaipur: Dispelling concerns that ongoing disputes might derail team selections for Pali, Bikaner and Jodhpur districts, Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee convener and BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani has announced open selection trials for the Colvin Shield, scheduled to begin from June 7. The RCA's ad hoc panel has been grappling with controversies surrounding the Pali, Bikaner and Jodhpur district cricket associations (DCA). Following complaints of alleged irregularities, committee convener Bihani revoked the recognition of the Pali and Bikaner DCAs. Additionally, the Jodhpur DCA's elections have not yet received the convener's approval. Bihani has formed a panel to oversee the team selection process for the three districts, ensuring the tournament remains on track. "Open selection trials for these three teams will be held at the district centres in the presence of the RCA supervisor and the team will be picked by the selectors authorised by the RCA," said ad hoc member Vimal Sharma from Bihani coterie. To participate in the selection trials, players are required to bring the following original documents with them: computer generated birth certificate, bonafide certificate, marksheet of last three years and aadhar card/voter ID/driving license/passport. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Encontre voos low-cost Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo Dharamveer criticises Bihani for sidelining 4 ad hoc panel members: Ad hoc panel member and Pali DCA secretary Dharamveer Singh Shekhawat defended the decision to hold the tournament, stating, "There's nothing wrong with conducting the Colvin Shield, and we support it fully." However, he sharply criticised Jaideep Bihani for marginalising committee members. "In this entire process, Bihani has sidelined four out of six ad hoc committee members, showing disregard for the registrar and the Sports Act, and acting against the constitution. Furthermore, no proper norms were followed in appointing the three selection committees. All four of us - Dhananjai Singh Khimsar, myself, Ratan Singh Shekhawat, and Harish Chandra Singh - have formally raised these concerns in letters to the state chief minister, registrar, state sports minister, and sports secretary," asserted Dharamveer, representing the Dhananjai group. TRIALS' DETAILS: Pali: Venue: Bangar Stadium; date: June 3 (7:00 AM); selectors: Zakir Hussain, Shailendra Gehlot; supervisor: Sushil Jain. Jodhpur: Venue: Barkatullah Khan Stadium; date: June 4 ( 7:00 AM ); selectors: Vilas Joshi, Zakir Hussain; supervisor: Vimal Sharma; coordinator: Chandrakant Bodha. Bikaner: Venue: Dharnidhar Stadium, Bikaner; date: 5 June (7:00 AM); selectors: Shailendra Gehlot, Shamsher Singh; supervisor: Shyam Singh Chauhan.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bihani claims support of 18 DCAs, appoints ombudsman
1 2 Jaipur: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) ad hoc committee convener and BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani has appointed retired Supreme Court Justice Deepak Verma as the ombudsman, 'in line with Lodha Committee recommendations'. This decision follows the 'approval' of 18 District Cricket Associations (DCA), who authorised Bihani to appoint the ombudsman, ethics officer and election officer, as well as take action against the Bikaner and Pali DCAs. On Thursday, Bihani issued orders to revoke the affiliation of the Pali and Bikaner DCAs due to alleged financial irregularities and election discrepancies. "The decision was made under Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 30 of the State Sports Act and Section 30C of the RCA Constitution. A decision on Jodhpur DCA is under consideration," said the convener in a press conference here at RCA Academy on Friday. Bihani announced that the RCA Annual General Meeting is scheduled for June 20. He also revealed that he has the consent of 18 DCA secretaries, who have authorised him to form various committees, including the cricket committee, standing committee, legal committee, finance committee and sub-committees, as well as appoint auditors and manage RCA bank account signatories. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Convener dismisses corruption allegations: Launching a sharp counter attack against ad hoc member Dhananjai Singh Khimsar's group, Bihani dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement, emphasising that all BCCI grants were transparently disbursed to players, match officials and vendors. "The Indian cricket board (BCCI) granted Rs 57.5 crore to the RCA over the past year, a testament to the committee's effective functioning. Would the BCCI provide grants if we weren't working?" he questioned while refuting corruption allegations against him. Bihani also criticised other members for calling frequent meetings to profit from travel allowance and dearness allowance claims, stating he has never claimed such benefits himself. Moreover, Colvin Shield will be held from June 7 and Bihani asserted that he will single-handedly organise the tournament if other ad hoc members do not cooperate.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
RCA ad hoc panel clash intensifies over Bihani's leadership
Jaipur: Internal conflict within the (RCA) ad hoc committee has escalated. Four of the six committee members convened a meeting at RCA Academy here on Monday, criticising committee convenor and BJP MLA , accusing him of autocratic leadership in cricket administration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meeting, initiated by committee member Dhananjai Singh Khimsar, was attended by fellow members , Ratan Singh and Harish Chandra Singh. The group alleged that he has not convened a single meeting in the past two months and is using RCA for political gain. "Bihani has turned the committee into a den of politics, sidelining its purpose of promoting cricket," Khimsar stated. Dharamveer Singh further alleged that Bihani made baseless match-fixing accusations against Rajasthan Royals, which the committee opposed. In response, Bihani reportedly issued notices to district cricket associations aligned with the ad hoc committee, a move described as 'malicious' by Dharamveer, who is the secretary of Pali District Cricket Association (DCA). The dissenting members expressed concerns over the convenor's 'unilateral decision-making', claiming it undermined the committee's collective responsibility and violated the principles of transparency and accountability. Sources close to the RCA indicate that the discord stems from ongoing power struggles and differing visions for the association's future, particularly as it navigates a transitional phase following administrative upheaval. The four members have called for an immediate review of the convenor's actions. In response, Bihani, who serves as the treasurer of the Sri Ganganagar DCA, has called for a separate meeting at KL Saini Stadium on May 25. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, secretary of Sri Ganganagar DCA Vinod Saharan has come out in support of Bihani. Saharan labeled committee member Dharamveer a 'Congress agent'. He accused Dharamveer and others of undermining the sport for political motives. Later in the evening, convenor Bihani disaffiliated Pali DCA from RCA. The Pali DCA has vowed to challenge this decision, citing it as further evidence of Bihani's overreach and vindictive approach. "Bihani has no power to disaffiliate any district," Dharamveer added. Pictures of Pak players removed: RCA removed photos of Pakistani cricketers, including Danish Kaneria, from its academy. The ad-hoc committee, prioritising national sentiment, acted amid media scrutiny, while retaining group photos featuring Pakistani players alongside other international captains.
