Vadodara: After a gap of seven years, elections will once again be held for the executive committee of the prestigious Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana, popularly known as the Polo Club in Vadodara. While the posts of president and treasurer were filled unopposed, polls will take place for seven other positions on Sunday.Located opposite the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace, the club was originally commissioned by Maharaja Pratapsinh Gaekwad — then a prince — and formally inaugurated in 1941 following his coronation. It was initially known as the Polo Club and was later renamed in his honour.Until 2019, elections at the club were closely contested affairs. However, over the past few years, aspiring committee members had been reaching mutual understandings to avoid elections by sharing posts, leading to a poll-free management structure.This year, such negotiations failed for several posts, triggering a full-scale election for seven committee seats. Two panels — Team Ace and Team Democracy — are contesting the elections.Prominent lawyer Kaushik Bhatt and chartered accountant Vipul Shah have already been elected unopposed as president and treasurer, respectively.The upcoming contests include the vice president’s post, where Anuj Nagarsheth of Team Ace will face Mehul Zaveri of Team Democracy. For secretary, Nayan Patel (Team Democracy) will take on Gaurav Nanavati (Team Ace). Elections will also be held for five managing committee member positions, adding to the significance of this electoral comeback.
