Rajiv Pratap Rudy has secured his 25-year dominance at the Constitution Club, defeating fellow BJP MP Sanjeev Balyan in a closely contested election. Key figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sonia Gandhi of the Congress, participated in the voting. Amidst celebrations, Rudy announced his victory with over 100 votes and highlighted the success of his panel, which comprised members from various parties. He described it as a great win for all MPs and those who voted, acknowledging the team’s efforts over two decades. The election saw significant participation from prominent leaders across parties. Rudy, the incumbent, faced a strong challenge from Balyan, a two-time Lok Sabha MP. The contest was viewed as a ‘BJP versus BJP’ battle due to the candidates’ shared party affiliation. Over 680 valid votes were cast from a pool of 1,295 current and former MPs, marking a record turnout for the club’s officer elections. Rudy’s long-standing influence was evident, though Balyan, supported by some BJP members, aimed to test Rudy’s hold. While opposition members largely backed Rudy, divisions existed within the BJP. Rudy, a pilot, is known for his urbane persona and ability to connect with the social elite. Balyan, representing rural sensibilities, brought a different dynamic to the competition. Rudy’s established rapport with members played a crucial role in his victory.
