The ongoing controversy surrounding the Hazaribag District Cricket Association (HDCA) escalated politically on Thursday when BJP MLA from Hazaribag Sadar, Pradip Prasad, directly attacked his own party MP Manish Jaiswal. Prasad labeled Jaiswal as 'Dhritarashtra' and accused him of exercising unilateral control over the cricket body.
Prasad claimed that whenever he raised issues in the interest of Hazaribag, his concerns were wrongly branded as 'indiscipline.' He emphasized that no institution should function under the dominance of a single individual and vowed to continue raising his voice in the public interest.
Background of the Dispute
The row began on Monday when Prasad arrived at the stadium and accused HDCA office bearers of not inviting him, terming it an insult to an elected representative. He further alleged that during a press conference held by the association on Wednesday, the president and secretary were present but 'not given a fair opportunity to speak,' suggesting that only selected voices are being heard.
Prasad's Oath and Direct Dig at Jaiswal
Before the press conference, Prasad was seen taking an oath with the Bhagavad Gita in hand, claiming he would speak the truth. Taking a direct dig at Jaiswal, he said, 'Despite being aware of the MLA's insult, he remained silent,' adding that the MP is 'not Ram' as he portrays himself. 'I was called indisciplined, but I will repeatedly show such indiscipline in the interest of the people of Hazaribag,' he stated.
Prasad's remarks have intensified the internal party feud, drawing attention to the governance of the HDCA and raising questions about the role of elected representatives in local sports bodies.
