The Chandigarh Club, one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in the region, held its long-awaited elections on November 16, 2024, after an eight-year gap. The elections are for key positions including president, vice president, and executive members. These elections have drawn attention not only because of their rarity but also due to the tense atmosphere that surrounded the voting process.
The voting process, which began at 11 am, continued well into the evening amid several scuffles and heated arguments between the supporters of top candidates. The elections were conducted for a total of 7,441 eligible voters, with 3,292 votes cast. The voter turnout included 164 women, 1,157 senior citizens, and 1,971 general members. Despite the disruptions, the process continued without any major incidents affecting the overall voting.
A retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Mahesh Grover, was appointed as the observer for the elections. Senior advocates Chetan Mittal and Baltej Sindhu were designated as the returning officers to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process.
The results of the election will be declared later today. Vote counting will begin at 9 am on November 17, and the final results are expected by afternoon.
Candidates for Key Positions
- President’s Post:
- Naresh Chaudhary, the current vice president, is one of the front-runners.
- Sunil Khanna, a former president in 2002, is another key contender.
- Ranmeet Chahal, a local businessman, is also in the running.
- Executive Member Elections:
- The race for the executive member positions is competitive, with 20 candidates vying for eight available spots. Some notable candidates include Paramvir Babla (son of BJP leader Devender Babla), Dr. Vikram Bedi (son of Dr. Ramneek Singh Bedi, a nominated councilor), and Shivam Puri (son of CRAWFED chairman Hitesh Puri).
Chandigarh Club History
The Chandigarh Club was founded in 1957 and has since served as a gathering place for influential individuals, including businessmen, bureaucrats, politicians, and advocates. It holds significant cultural and social value for the city and its members. The club is known for hosting various social and professional events, providing a space for members to network and engage in community activities.
With the election results expected soon, these elections are poised to shape the future of the club and its leadership for the coming years.
Conclusion: The Chandigarh Club elections, despite being marred by a few incidents, have proven to be a significant event for the city. As the counting progresses, the outcome will determine the leadership and direction of this prestigious institution.
