Govt crossing line in RCA politics: Ashok Gehlot

JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched a scathing attack on the BJP govt, raising severe concerns over political interference in the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and accusing the state administration of derailing major infrastructure projects, including the international stadium at Chonp.Expressing anguish over the persistent administrative crisis in the state’s cricket body, Gehlot lamented the lack of international cricket action in the capital. “Unfortunately, for the past five years, no international matches are being hosted here anymore. This should be a matter of concern,” the veteran Congress leader said, taking aim at the govt over the prolonged governance vacuum.It was in Nov 2021, under the tenure of his son Vaibhav Gehlot as RCA president, that the Sawai Man Singh Stadium last hosted an international fixture — a T20I between India and New Zealand.Speaking as the chief guest at the 33rd Mathura Das Mathur Awards on Sunday, Gehlot felicitated upcoming state cricketers across sub-junior, junior and senior categories.His remarks come against the backdrop of unprecedented turmoil within the RCA. The association has been managed by govt-appointed ad hoc committees, which have seen intense internal power struggles, factional rivalries and failure to conduct democratic elections.Hitting out at the BJP dispensation for crossing limits in sports administration, Gehlot added, “The politics going on in cricket is very painful. Rajasthan’s history is deeply linked with cricket. Politics happens everywhere nowadays; it even happens in the judiciary. It happens everywhere, in every field. It happens in sports associations as well. But it should not be to the extent that sports and sports associations suffer. Such politics, I believe, should not happen. A line should not be crossed. Now, the govt itself is crossing that line.”Gehlot particularly targeted the delay in holding RCA elections. “It has been three years for this govt, and so far, there is no news about RCA elections. Ad hoc panels have been formed. Such a situation existing at the government level is, I believe, painful,” he remarked, urging chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to respect the youth’s passion for cricket and facilitate immediate elections.Comparing his tenure’s initiatives, such as the creation of the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur, 2% sports reservation in govt jobs, and the Rural/Urban Olympics, with the current administration, Gehlot asserted that the BJP govt has failed on sports commitments.He highlighted the stalled progress of the world-class Chonp Stadium, envisioned during Vaibhav’s tenure as RCA president in collaboration with industrialist Anil Agarwal. “When CP Joshi and Vaibhav were there, we had a talk with Anil Agarwal... He promised to give Rs 250 to Rs 300 crore. I heard he even gave Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore,” Gehlot noted, calling on the state govt to engage with Vedant Group’s chairperson to resume the construction of the facility.Gehlot concluded that key public infrastructure across the state, from cricket stadiums to the FinTech Institute and IPD Tower, has faced unnecessary delays under the current regime, calling for immediate corrective action in public interest.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.