Mudslinging is on through letters, claims and counter-claims. Meanwhile, scores of cocktail parties are being used to woo voting members at clubs and five-star hotels, some thrown by real estate and hotel tycoons. This year's election at the 100-year-old club is one of the most bitterly contested in memory.
Voting takes place on Friday. The voting members include the Prime Minister, vice-president, chief ministers and several Union ministers, besides the Who's Who of Delhi, including top serving and retired bureaucrats.
The Delhi Gymkhana election is already being marked for its many 'firsts'. This is the first time that as many as four candidates are in the fray - a serving secretary at the Centre (Vijay Chhibber), a retired R&AW chief (A S Dulat), a retired director-general of police (B L Vohra) and a retired deputy director general of Doordarshan ( Urmila Gupta). This is second time that a woman candidate is in the fray for the top post. If Gupta wins, she will be the club's first woman president.
Dulat is contesting again after having served as club president for two years (2005-07), which many club members say is against "convention". "If this time the president is chosen from armed forces, the next turn is for civil services. Though the resident is elected for one year, they are elected unopposed for the second year. No past president has contested again in normal circumstances," said Lt General Rajinder Singh.
All three opponents of the former R&AW chief talked about upholding traditions and values. Dulat, on his part, said his nomination was "well within the convention" and added that voting members were the best people to decide.
Rumours abound of rivals resorting to 'dirty tricks'. Barring Vohra, all other contestants told TOI their old " friends" were throwing evening parties to garner support. Parties have been hosted by a real estate giant and a big hotel owner. Members said party hoppers were availing the hospitality being offered by rival camps.
All candidates were also trying to flaunt their links with the defence forces. Gupta said she is expecting a majority of women members to vote for her.
Several members said the number of parties hosted before polls was very high this year because of the sheer number of people contesting for both executive committee membership and for president. The number of contestants for the executive committee, 34, is also the highest till date.
The club located next to 7 Race Course Road has a surplus of about Rs 70 crore in its kitty and has about 12,000 members, of which about 5,600 have voting rights. "It's a much hyped election. Everyday we are getting several letters, mails and SMSs, including invitations to cocktails. There has been sea change in the past two-three elections," said a retired IAS officer who is a voting member.
For a large section of members, the main issue in this election is to see who and how the club's infrastructure can be improved to meet growing demand. "If you reach the club about 6pm, you don't get a seat. We need to vote a person who can deliver on this front," said a retired Army officer.
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