Ahmedabad:
From politics to sports - perhaps Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi doesn't want to leave anything untouched. So on Tuesday in a surprise development he took charge of the Gujarat Cricket Association - a body which until few months back was controlled by the Congress. His trusted minister Amit Shah whose election to the post was almost certain made way for the chief minister at the last minute. He was elected the vice president instead.
Insiders say that what made the chief minister accept the offer were two factors - one that he wanted to rule over a body which has been controlled by the Congress since several years and secondly, and more importantly, an access to the BCCI.
The end of the Congress dominance at the GCA had become certain few months back when Amit Shah's panel had swept polls at the Central Board of Cricket Ahmedabad or CBCA which is an important constituent of the GCA.
At least 12 of the 22 members of the executive council of the GCA come from the CBCA. It's these members who cleared his elections on Tuesday.
Modi on his part had this to say on transition from politics to cricket. "As I don't see anything, it's for you to see," said Gujarat chief minister.
As for his priorities as the GCA president, he said, "We will sit down in a weeks time and discuss with other members as to how would could further improve the game in the state."