Rajiv Pratap Rudy has prevailed in the Constitution Club election, continuing his 25-year reign, after a tough contest with BJP MP Sanjeev Balyan. The election saw the presence of notable leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sonia Gandhi. Rudy announced his win, emphasizing that he won by over 100 votes, along with his panel’s success, which consisted of members from different political parties. He described the win as significant for all the parliamentarians and voters, and highlighted the sustained work by the team. Key leaders from various political parties participated in the voting. Rudy, a five-time Lok Sabha MP, faced a strong challenge from Balyan. The contest was seen as a face-off between two BJP members. Over 680 votes were cast from nearly 1,300 eligible voters, a record turnout. Rudy, who has often won elections unopposed, faced a serious challenge from Balyan. Rudy’s influence was bolstered by the support of opposition members. The contest for the 11 executive member positions featured 14 contenders. Rudy, a pilot by profession, has a polished persona. Balyan comes from a rural background. The contest also carried caste implications, but individual connections ultimately influenced the result. Rudy’s prior relationships with members proved decisive. The Lok Sabha Speaker serves as the ex-officio President of the Club. Rudy highlighted his plans to enhance the club’s facilities, while Balyan advocated for focusing on the needs of the MPs and ex-MPs.
