After politics, AAP making foray into Punjab cricket

After making a mark in Punjab politics, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now aiming to take over the cricketing affairs in the state. Two of its prominent faces have filed their nominations for the top two posts in the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), which will go to polls on July 12.

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Former PCA president Amarjeet Singh Mehta is eyeing the top post again. Mehta is known for his proximity with AAP leaders and his son Padamjeet Singh Mehta is a first-time party councillor and elected Mayor of Bathinda. Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh has filed his nomination papers for the post of PCA secretary. Besides, Punjab AAP general secretary Deepak Bali also filed his nomination for the post of PCA vice-president today.

Meanwhile, Siddhant Sharma filed his nomination for the post of PCA joint secretary. Sunil Gupta, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board Punjab and former PCA treasurer, is eyeing second consecutive term.

As per the election schedule, the filing of nominations will also be held from 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow. The scrutiny of nominations and disposal of objections will be held from July 5 to 7. The list of eligible candidates will be displayed on July 7 (5 pm), and the withdrawals are scheduled till July 8 (11 am to 4 pm). The final list of candidates and allotment of symbols (if any) will be displayed on July 8 (5 pm). On July 12, polling (if necessary) will be held from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm, followed by counting of votes and declaration of results on the same day at the PCA Hall Level-1 (South Pavilion), Maharaja Yadavindra PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.

Besides electing office-bearers, the house will also pick 11 members of the apex council, including seven representatives of the affiliated district cricket associations, three from ‘life members’ category and one from the clubs/ colleges/ institutions category.

Arminder Singh, Rajat Bhardwaj, Chanchal Kumar Singla, Amit Bajaj, Birdevinder Singh Natt and Prabhbir Singh Brar have filed their nominations for the post of member of apex council under the category of the representatives of affiliated district cricket associations. Kamal Kumar Arora, Amrinder Vir Singh Barsat and Sahebjit Singh Sehmby are vying for the post of member of apex council under ‘life members’ category, and Vikram Kumar has filed his nomination papers for the post of member of apex council under the representative of the club/college/institutions category.