Will former BCCI and CAB president B.N. Dutt, seen relaxing at home on Saturday, be the proverbial kingmaker? Picture by Santosh Ghosh

Calcutta: “The battle is not over. I may not be here next time and someone else will take my place,” had been Dinesh Vajpai’s reaction after being thrashed by Jagmohan Dalmiya a year ago.

West Bengal’s former DGP and one-time city police commissioner, though, couldn’t have anticipated what has unfolded over the past few weeks.

For one, neither candidate fighting for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president’s post is going to win by the amazing 106-13 margin Dalmiya managed the last time.

Second, there’s a strong possibility that cross-voting will lead to no one panel being swept to power.

Third, after Sunday, the CAB won’t ever be the same again.

There’s more?

Incidentally, owing to the South Suburban Club development, it’s not clear whether the electorate is going to comprise 118 or 119.

The city civil court-appointed observer, Justice (retd) Santosh Kumar Phoujdar, will communicate his decision “one hour” before the 5.00 pm start to the CAB’s 75th AGM.

Both challenger Prasun Mukherjee, the police commissioner, and incumbent Dalmiya’s followers have been insisting they have the numbers ? specifically, at least 70.

That’s just not possible.

Till late on Saturday, the buzz in the Maidan was that Dalmiya (who has been in the chair for over a decade) was ahead. However, probably not by much.

Indeed, The Telegraph’s sources believe Mukherjee could substantially improve his position if a few voters committed to the ruling group develop cold feet overnight.

“Dalmiya has defied the chief minister (Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee), but some loyal to him may have a re-think about antagonising the Establishment, particularly if they’ve also given an assurance to Mukherjee,” is how somebody put it.

Voting is by secret ballot, but word does get around as to who ditched whom. The most vulnerable, clearly, are the ones who’ve given assurances to both Dalmiya and Mukherjee.

They’re bound to have a restless night, even though the challenger has been canvassing as a “perfect gentleman.”

While Mukherjee stands to benefit from a cold feet syndrome, equally, his being the government’s nominee may actually work against him in a big way as the Maidan dons don’t want Sunday to mark the start of a “takeover.”

If Mukherjee pulls off an upset, much of the credit is going to be his. The police commissioner’s image (and the office he holds) has taken him to the position he is in.

The credit won’t even go to Sourav Ganguly for his e-mail last week, which chewed up Dalmiya. If anything, the former Team India captain’s stature has diminished somewhat.

Significantly, former Board of Control for Cricket in India and CAB president B.N. Dutt has been the one wooed the most by both candidates.

Besides direct influence over 10-odd affiliated units, he’s in a position to offer “advice” to some others.

Dutt, however, dismissed a suggestion that he’s the kingmaker.

“I’m close to turning 80 and not keeping good health? I’ve simply been telling people to do what they think is best,” he remarked when a comment was sought.

Fact is his blessings are needed.

“Dalmiya’s lead isn’t at least 20 as is being talked about by supporters, but closer to 10-12? He should win unless it gets too hot for his backers between now and tomorrow evening,” is what a high-profile former cricketer, who has kept himself aloof from the goings-on, had to say.

Obviously, somebody like Samar Paul, who has been fighting Dalmiya for a number of years, thinks differently: In his opinion, Mukherjee is “assured” of 75 votes.

Dalmiya won’t endorse that, but he must be aware he has taken guard on a wicket which can deteriorate quickly. Also, that one Sharad Pawar is a very keen watcher.

Once the lord of all he surveyed, Dalmiya has had to pay heavily for using the casting vote (a right he also enjoys in the CAB) against Pawar 22 months ago.

His fingers will be crossed.

Footnote: Union ministers Lalu Prasad and Praful Patel, who aren’t favourably disposed towards Dalmiya, were in the city on Saturday. That created a stir, but it couldn’t be confirmed whether they deviated from the official programmes.