Dissatisfaction over the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) elections boiled over during a special general council meeting, with member Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra accusing long-standing officials of orchestrating a conspiracy to delay polls and cling to power.
The elected representatives’ term in the OCA expired in October 2025, prompting the convening of this special meeting in the OCA conference room to discuss future elections and the implementation of new laws. All members, including representatives from district blocks and schools, attended the session. However, the meeting quickly turned contentious as concerns arose over the apparent reluctance to hold elections.
Midway through the proceedings, Mohapatra staged a walkout, lambasting the OCA leadership for their actions. He questioned why officials were still occupying their positions despite the end of their term in October, alleging that those in power for the past 25 years have been operating arbitrarily and engaging in widespread corruption. “This has resulted in no Odisha players advancing to the national level,” Mohapatra charged, emphasising that the leadership is deliberately scheming to prevent elections through various excuses.
He pointed out that while elections are underway in Maharashtra, the OCA is flouting government regulations here in Odisha, further fueling the conspiracy claims. Mohapatra demanded a vigilance inquiry into a special audit and vowed to inform Chief Minister and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the issues. “If necessary, I will seek legal recourse,” he stated firmly.
In response, OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that no elections can proceed until the BCCI approves the new National Sports Law. “Members voted against holding elections due to international matches scheduled in December,” Behera said, noting that the Sunday meeting was specifically to gather detailed information on the new sports act.
Behera described Mohapatra’s walkout as an insult to the association and mentioned that while Mohapatra plans to discuss the matter with the Chief Minister, he too intends to meet the CM for consultations. With the National Sports Policy now in place, Behera stressed the need to wait, adding that the deadline for elections extends until December 31. He clarified that until a new circular is issued, the existing officials will continue to manage affairs, and he was unaware of specific laws in other states.
