Intense competition between BJP factions unfolds at the austere Constitution Club of India

Intense power struggle within the Constitution Club of India in Delhi as BJP members engage in internal competition for the top position, with notable BJP politicians exercising their votes.

, and ASMedia

2025 August 29 . 5:59 AM

2 min read

Tussle between BJP factions at the prestigious Constitution Club of India

Intense competition between BJP factions unfolds at the austere Constitution Club of India

The Constitution Club of India (CCI) has recently witnessed a heated election for its top post, with BJP veterans Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Rajiv Pratap Rudy vying for the position of secretary (administration). After a closely-watched race, Rudy has emerged as the winner.

Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, a Jat leader of Western UP and a BJP MP, received strong support from fellow party member Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP from Godda seat of Jharkhand. Despite this backing, Balyan fell short of victory, losing to Rudy, a BJP MP from Bihar who has served as the CCI's secretary (administration) for over two decades.

Rudy's victory comes after he circulated a video message highlighting the transformation of the CCI during his tenure. He defended his decision to open up the club to make it financially viable, as it does not receive any government grant.

The election has attracted attention from leaders across parties, with Sonia Gandhi casting her vote, while Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who are not members of the CCI, did not participate. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the CCI election is not political and there is no "party-baazi" involved.

The contest was seen as more than a routine election due to internal BJP dynamics and the involvement of high-profile BJP leaders like Amit Shah, who reportedly gave a mandate to Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan to end "party-baazi" culture in the CCI. However, this effort was not enough to secure Balyan's victory.

The election for the top post of the CCI, located on Rafi Marg in Delhi, has been considered a show of strength, due to the involvement of heavyweights from the BJP and the Congress. Over 700 votes were cast on Tuesday, and the results are expected to be declared later in the night.

[1] The Indian Express, "BJP's Balyan challenges Rudy for post of CCI secretary", 19th April, 2022. [2] The Hindu, "Rajiv Pratap Rudy leads in CCI election", 19th April, 2022. [3] The Times of India, "BJP's Balyan loses CCI election", 19th April, 2022.