Wadekar bemoans ‘amazing journalism’

When contacted by The Indian Express on Monday, Wadekar vehemently denied having said the same. ‘‘You for yourself give it a thought that why will I make such a statement especially aimed at any particular community. What I said was that MCA is a premier institution of the country and just as former players are elected as representatives in foreign countries it should be likewise in India.‘‘I never intended or said anything against any community,’’ Wadekar stressed adding that it was ‘amazing journalism’.

‘‘I have been India’s captain and had players like Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Abid Ali, Syed Kirmani and others in the team. I’ve also been the manager of the Indian team for years hence there is no reason that why I should make such a comment.’’

‘‘You can even verify the facts with others who were present at the MCA office when the reporter from Saamna spoke to me, Wadekar said, hoping to clear the air.

About Sharad Pawar being his opponent for the top post of MCA, Wadekar said, ‘‘It is to early to read the situation. Even the nominations haven’t been filed. ‘‘It makes no sense in counting the chickens before they are hatched,’’ he said.Wadekar confirmed contesting the forthcoming elections for the top post irrespective of the opposition.