Rajiv Pratap Rudy Triumphs in Constitution Club Elections

New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) — In a closely contested election at the Constitution Club of India, BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy secured a significant victory for a key position. The Constitution Club, located just a short distance from Parliament, has long been a place of retreat for both current and former MPs. It provides a venue for unwinding, whether through exercising in the gym or taking a swim.

The Club's history is intertwined with that of independent India. Established in 1947, it originally served as an exclusive gathering place for members of the Constituent Assembly, who were tasked with framing the Constitution. These members resided at the Constitution House on what was then Curzon Road, which is now the Civil Services Officers Institute on Kasturba Gandhi Road. In the early years post-independence, the Constituent Assembly members would entertain guests in the grand dining halls of Constitution House, with discussions often continuing onto the expansive lawns.

The present Constitution Club of India was inaugurated in 1965 by President Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and is officially registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The Lok Sabha Speaker serves as the club's ex-officio president, the Rajya Sabha's Deputy Chairman acts as the general secretary, and the Union Urban Affairs Minister holds the position of vice president. The club's management is supported by three secretaries, who oversee administration, sports, and culture, alongside a treasurer and an 11-member Executive Committee.

For dining and relaxation, the CCI offers two restaurants: Article 21, open to the general public, and The Preamble, exclusive to club members. The premises also include a coffee house, health center, spa, unisex salon, billiards room, badminton court, leisure lounges, and conference facilities. Over time, the club has become a favored venue for political meetings, art exhibitions, cultural functions, and various conferences.

In recent elections, Rajiv Pratap Rudy maintained his influence in club management by retaining the secretary (administration) position, overcoming a challenge from fellow BJP leader Sanjeev Balyan. The election featured participation from notable figures, including BJP's Amit Shah and Congress' Sonia Gandhi.

Congress MP Rajiv Shukla was elected as secretary (sports) following the withdrawal of BJP Rajya Sabha member Pradip Kumar Varma, while DMK member Tiruchi Siva clinched the secretary (culture) position after ex-BJP MP Pradeep Gandhi stepped aside. Former BRS MP A P Jithender Reddy was named treasurer after DMK MP P Wilson withdrew from the race.

The election to the 11-member Executive Committee saw the selection of Naresh Agarwal, Prasun Banerjee, Pradeep Gandhi, Naveen Jindal, Deepender Singh Hooda, N K Premachandran, Pradip Kumar Varma, Jasbir Singh Gill, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Shrirang Appa Barne, and Akshay Yadav.

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