After meeting sports minister Jitendra Singh on Friday along
with eight other members, Chautala said the discussion they had with the
minister was fruitful. “We appraised the minister all matters concerning
elections and he gave us a patient hearing. We also requested him to find a
solution to the raging debate over IOC’s periodical letters. He assured us that
after discussing the matter he will revert back to us,” said Chautala.
Chautala also added the minister was concerned with the
development of sport in the country and assured that he will do everything
possible to uplift the game and sort out the issue quickly.
Chautala blamed incumbent secretary general Randhir Singh
for misleading the International Olympic Council (IOC) over the election
process for his own interest. “It was because of this attitude all sorts of
confusions have arisen. Otherwise, things were going on smoothly,” he added.
The election process was as per Randhir Singh’s
notification.
According to Chautala, Randhir wanted early elections to the
NOC. “Since he was completing his four-year term, he wanted the polls to be
held at the earliest. But the AGM wanted it in December. Subsequently he only
issued the notification regarding the elections,” he said.
Chautla questioned why Randhir’s integrity after pushing for
the elections. “His pullout drama citing violation of IOC charter was an
afterthought because he knew he was losing the elections. That is why he sought
the help of IOC and forced them write various letters, including the threat of
derecognising/disaffiliating IOA,” said Chautala.
Chautala said that the acting president, V.K.Malhotra has
written to IOC explaining the situation prevailing at this juncture. It is also
leatrnt that IOA has nominated two members to interact with IOC on the issue.
While seeking the immediate resignation of Randhir Singh
after he ceased to be the secretary-general of IOA, Chautala said that he
cannot be representing the NOC as per the IOC charter.
Elaborating on the point, renowned lawyer and Jharkhand
Olympics Association President R.K. Anand said that according to 3.7 of the
charter, any member ceases to be an IOC member, the moment his tenure in NOC
comes to an end, which has happened today with the election of a new
secretary-general following the official intimation from the three-member
Election Commission.
When asked how and why he justified Lalit Bhanot’s
nomination and election for the post of secretary-general, Chautala said that
Bhanot was well within his rights to contest elections and he is not guilty.
Asked about sports code, Chautala said their meeting with
the sports minister was all about the code. “I am hopeful things would be
sorted out soon. In any case, it is a matter for the government to clarify its
position and that IOA had nothing to do with it.”
He, however, reiterated that he and his other contestants
had the full support of the IOA/state unit members and thanked them for their
support. “I assure you all that there will be greater transparency in the
working of IOA and that will be our priority,” he said.
Press release
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