Chandigarh Club Prepares for Historic Elections After Eight-Year Hiatus

Chandigarh, November 16, 2024—For the first time in eight years, the esteemed Chandigarh Club is set to hold elections to appoint a new executive body. This significant event has captured widespread attention due to the club’s prestigious history and its roster of influential members in politics, business, and law.

Reviving Democratic Traditions

Established in 1957, Chandigarh Club is one of the city’s oldest social institutions, boasting a membership of approximately 7,200. It has long served as a hub for social interaction among prominent personalities, including former and current ministers from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, as well as judges and bureaucrats. The return to elections marks a revival of the club’s democratic traditions, allowing members to have a direct say in its future direction.

Election Timeline and Process

• Nominations Opened: October 28, 2024
• Nominations Closed: October 29, 2024
• Withdrawal Deadline: October 31, 2024
• Election Date: November 16, 2024
• Results Announcement: November 17, 2024

The brief nomination period saw a flurry of activity, with candidates quickly mobilizing their campaigns. Members had a narrow window to consider their choices, making the campaigning period intense and focused.

Key Positions and Contenders

The elections feature contested races for the key positions of President and Vice President and eight spots for executive members.

• Presidential Candidates:
  • Naresh Chaudhary: Known for his longstanding dedication to the club, Chaudhary emphasizes preserving the club’s rich heritage while implementing modern amenities.
  • Sunil Khanna: A successful businessman, Khanna advocates for financial transparency and enhancing member services through strategic investments.
  • Ranmeet Chahal: With a background in profession and business, he focuses on upholding ethical standards and fostering a more inclusive environment within the club.
• Vice Presidential Candidates:
  • Anurag Aggarwal: Aggarwal’s platform centres on expanding cultural events and promoting youth participation in club activities.
  • Anurag Chopra: Chopra aims to strengthen community outreach programs and build partnerships with other institutions.
  • Karan Nanda: Nanda proposes technological upgrades to the club’s facilities and improves overall member engagement through digital platforms.

Approximately 20 candidates compete for the eight executive member positions, each bringing diverse skills and visions for the club’s future.

Member Engagement and Expectations

The membership is abuzz with discussions about the candidates and their proposed initiatives. Many members are eager for change and see the elections as an opportunity to reinvigorate the club’s activities and services.

“These elections are crucial for setting the direction of our club for the next decade,” said Rajinder Singh, a member since 1980. “We have a chance to blend tradition with innovation, and I’m excited to see who will lead us forward.”

Anticipation Builds for Election Day

As election day approaches, candidates make their final appeals to the membership, hosting small gatherings and leveraging social networks to garner support. The competitive races, particularly for the top positions, have made this one of the most engaging elections in the club’s recent history.

Security measures and logistical preparations are in place to ensure a smooth voting process. The club has set up designated polling areas within its premises, and voting will take place throughout the day to accommodate members’ schedules.

Chandigarh Club faces serious allegations.

The current governing body of the Chandigarh Club faces serious allegations from its members, primarily centred around corruption and mismanagement. Key points of concern include:

1. Financial Embezzlement: Club members have alleged widespread financial misappropriation, particularly involving the secretary and other staff members. This includes claims of fraudulent transactions using club funds, suggesting a potential trail of money laundering.
2. Impersonation and Fraud: Allegations have surfaced regarding the impersonation of club members and coercive tactics employed to obtain memberships, which violate the club’s constitutional norms. This has led to accusations that certain employees engage in corrupt activities for personal gain.
3. Misuse of Funds: Specific accusations have been directed at club president Sandeep Sahni and his associates for financial mismanagement and tax evasion. Members claim that funds meant for the club’s operations have been misused to resolve personal financial issues of those in leadership positions.
4. Manipulation of Election Processes: There are concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections, with allegations that the current governing body has manipulated electoral processes. Past incidents of fraudulent voting practices, including allowing ineligible members to vote and ballot tampering, have been cited as evidence of this manipulation.
5. In response to these allegations, President Sandeep Sahni dismissed them as retaliatory actions from disgruntled members and stated that an audit was conducted to address some of these concerns. The situation has escalated to legal actions, with Sahni and another candidate filing lawsuits against members for allegedly defamatory statements regarding these issues.

The Union Territory (UT) Administration

The Union Territory (UT) administration plays a significant role in overseeing the elections of the Chandigarh Club, particularly in ensuring transparency and fairness. Here are the key aspects of their involvement:

Advisory Role: Club members have approached the UT administration demanding transparency in the electoral process. Members have written to the Chandigarh adviser, highlighting concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the club. They are urging the administration to ensure that the elections, which are being held for the first time in eight years, are conducted fairly and transparently.

Election Oversight: The club has appointed retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Mahesh Grover as an election observer and senior advocates as returning officers. This move is intended to provide an independent oversight mechanism for the election process, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural norms.

Notable Endorsements

• Naresh Chaudhary (Current Vice-President):
  Endorsed by the family of late Mukesh Bassi, a former president of the club.
• Support from former Chandigarh Mayor Ravinder Pali and income tax lawyer Ravinder Krishan.
• Backed by RS Sachdeva, Chairman of the Punjab State Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other industrialists.
• Sunil Khanna (Former President):
  Supported by current president Sandeep Sahni and several business leaders and industrialists.

Looking Ahead

The results, to be announced on November 17, 2024, are eagerly awaited. The newly elected executive body will be responsible for steering the club through a landscape of evolving member expectations and societal changes.

“This election is more than just choosing leaders; it’s about shaping the legacy we leave for future generations,” remarked Meena Sharma, a second-generation club member. “I hope the new team will honour our history while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.”

The Chandigarh Club is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to redefine its role in the community and enhance its standing as a premier social institution. As members cast their votes, they collectively hope for a future that reflects both the cherished traditions and the dynamic spirit of Chandigarh.