Why did you initially side with Phadke? You knew he was indicted by the Pendse Commission report.

Salkar: At that time there was no case pending. Now it has been disposed off. A charge sheet has also been filed. Since that time I have been asking him to step down. The August 13 verdict was a strict order. And the court has even said that in case (Melwyn Fernandes who had gone on writ to ask that Pendse committee recommendations be implemented) prayers are not complied with, he is free to approach the court again.

But Phadke is not resigning. So what do you plan doing?

Salkar: Now, we are in a majority. To remove Balu (Phadke) from the GCA we need a two-third majority. He may not agree, but the decision that we have taken is valid. The only solution is for him is to approach the court. It is very clear that the interpretation of the GCA constitution has to be done by the managing committee. If he attends another meeting representing the GCA then he will pay the price.

But he says clubs are with him…

Salkar: Just because clubs are with him, he cannot remain in office. If Balu has been elected by the clubs, then we are also elected by the clubs. Also whatever our views are, they are also important. Clubs will come into play when we go for the general body or when elections are due. He has asked for 14 days time, but you must realize that the first letter was sent two years ago. The government has to take action. The chief minister himself has said that he would take action. He has not just said it, but he has said it on the floor of the House.

What about the proxy voting? Don’t you think that this is the root of much of the evil?

Salkar:If like-minded people come together, it can be done (stopping proxy voting). It is not followed in the BCCI. It has been followed here in the GCA. But priority as of today has to be to put the systems in place. This is a problem because of the money power. Till power comes into our hands we are helpless.