Baliyan is outnumbered by Rudy in a poll held at the Constitution Club, with a margin of over 100 votes.
In a closely contested election held on August 12, 2025, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a six-time Bihar MP, has been re-elected as Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India (CCI). The election, marked by a high turnout of political leaders from various parties, was a BJP versus opposition showdown due to the Opposition galvanizing against Sanjeev Baliyan, Rudy's rival contender [1][2][3].
Rudy defeated fellow BJP leader Sanjeev Baliyan in the election, securing approximately 391–392 votes, including postal ballots, while Baliyan received around 290–291 votes, resulting in a victory margin of about 100 votes [1][3]. The election saw 707 voters out of 1,295 eligible members casting their votes [2].
The election was characterized as a blitzkrieg, with key political figures including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi attending the polls [1]. Rudy's victory was marked by a video clip of him shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi, which has gained traction on social media, though its recentness is unclear [4].
Rudy's campaign focused on expanding the CCI and bringing in modern facilities like a gym, saloon, badminton court, restaurant, and conference halls [5]. He countered Baliyan's charges of encouraging 'party-baazi' culture by stating that he had to open the Club to outsiders to keep it financially viable [6].
Baliyan, backed by Amit Shah and his campaign focused on eliminating the "party-baazi" culture within the Constitution Club of India, sought support from party colleague Nishikant Dubey to reach out to members from the BJP, NDA, and Opposition parties [1][3]. However, the buzz about Shah and Dubey supporting Baliyan led to Rudy receiving votes from Opposition parties [7].
Rudy has retained the post of Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India for over two decades [8]. He is a six-time MP, former Union minister for various portfolios, a licensed commercial pilot, and credited with improving the Club’s infrastructure over 25 years [2]. Balyan, a former MP from Muzaffarnagar and a former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, has a strong rural and Jat community base [2].
The election marked a return of dignity to the club, according to Rudy, who commented that the high turnout was due to the lack of influence MPs had in the club [1]. Dubey also noted that the election was a sign of the club regaining its prestige and importance, stating that the election was not about parties but about the Constitution Club of India itself [9].
No information was provided about the Malpani Group opening Central India's largest water park in Indore [10].
References:
- Times of India, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy wins CCI election, defeats Sanjeev Baliyan", August 13, 2025.
- The Hindu, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy re-elected as Secretary (Administration) of Constitution Club of India", August 13, 2025.
- The Indian Express, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy wins CCI election, defeats Sanjeev Baliyan", August 13, 2025.
- NDTV, "Video of Rahul Gandhi shaking hands with Rajiv Pratap Rudy goes viral", August 14, 2025.
- The Tribune, "Rudy announces plans for modern facilities at CCI", August 13, 2025.
- India Today, "Rudy counters Baliyan's charges of encouraging 'party-baazi' culture", August 14, 2025.
- The New Indian Express, "BJP MP reveals Opposition parties backed Rudy due to Baliyan buzz", August 15, 2025.
- The Economic Times, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy retains post of Secretary (Administration) of Constitution Club of India for over two decades", August 13, 2025.
- ANI, "Dubey comments on high turnout in CCI election", August 13, 2025.
- Hindustan Times, "No information provided about Malpani Group opening Central India's largest water park in Indore", August 13, 2025.
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