Surat: The Surat District Cricket Association (SDCA) elections took a surprising and dramatic turn on Friday when the Parivartan Panel, once a staunch critic of the Stadium Panel, dissolved and merged with it. This unexpected move has reshaped the entire election scenario and sparked anger among Parivartan supporters.
Vipal Munshi, who had earlier accused the Stadium Panel of corruption and had formed the Parivartan Panel in opposition, took a complete U-turn by merging with the very group he had opposed. According to sources, five members of the Parivartan Panel, including Vipal Munshi, Harish Umriger, Nisarg Patel, Sanjay Patel, and Pramod Madrasi, have now been included in Kanhaiyalal Contractor’s Stadium Panel. Meanwhile, the remaining thirteen candidates have been asked to withdraw their nominations, leading to discontent within the group.
The Parivartan Panel had previously alleged irregularities in SDCA projects and accused Kanhaiyalal Contractor of financial mismanagement. Their shift, under a "5/7 formula," has left many panel leaders and supporters feeling betrayed. During the nomination verification process, three candidates from the Parivartan Panel withdrew their nominations, adding to the internal fallout.
In a new development, the family of the late Hemant Contractor has launched the "Lalbhai Panel" to challenge the influence of the Stadium Panel. Led by Naynaben Contractor and her daughter Yasha Contractor, this new panel has gained momentum, with approximately 40 nominations filed in its support, making the contest more intriguing.
There is also growing speculation that disgruntled Parivartan candidates and independent contestants might form a third front, potentially transforming the election into a three-way race. However, the final picture will become clear only after the deadline for nomination withdrawals on March 24.
