Sandeep Sahni elected Chandigarh Club prez
Ramkrishan Upadhyay
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 8
Sandeep Sahni will remain the president of the Chandigarh Club for the second consecutive term as he was elected by a huge margin in the club elections held here today.
Sahni polled 2,304 votes while Rajkumar Mittal was second with 1,013 votes. Ravinder Singh Pali and AK Sinha got 863 and 142 votes, respectively.
Neeraj Chaudhary, returning officer, said 4,354 votes were found valid while 32 votes were declared invalid.
Naresh Chaudhary had already been elected vice-president of the club unopposed.
High drama was witnessed after two candidates -- Rajkumar Mittal and Ravinder Singh Pali -- alleged that they found counterfoils of ballot papers on the club premises. Pali said they had filed a complaint with the returning officer and the police. He alleged that the counterfoils proved that there was bogus voting in the elections. However, the returning officer refuted the allegations and said the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner. He said the entire voting process was videographed, which could be seen anytime. He said only counterfoils had been found and not ballot papers.
Sahni lists priorities
Soon after being elected, Sandeep Sahni said he would continue the development works in the club started during his previous term. He sought the co-operation of all groups.
He said more entertainment activities would be held in the club and it would be made the "first destination for members".
He said renewal of the club lease, international affiliation, restructuring and training of staff, construction of a sports complex, residential rooms and wholesome family entertainment, besides providing a health club and spa were among his priorities.
Sandeep Sahni was earlier appointed president in 2012 after Mukesh Bassi resigned from the post when he was elected a councillor.
Spread over 8.5 acres, the Chandigarh Club is the oldest club in the city and has been functioning since 1957. Members of the club include prominent politicians and advocates.
