Major Rajinder Singh Virk Claims Decisive Victory in Chandigarh Golf Club Presidential Election
In a remarkable display of democratic participation, the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) witnessed a historic election on Sunday, culminating in the landslide victory of Major Rajinder Singh Virk (retd.), popularly known as Lalli, as the club's new president. The election, characterized by unprecedented voter engagement, saw Virk secure a commanding win by a margin of 304 votes, the largest recorded in recent years, underscoring the strong backing he received from the club's membership.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout Reflects Heightened Engagement
Of the 1,800 registered voters, an impressive 1,254 members exercised their franchise, pushing the turnout to nearly 70%. This figure represents the highest participation rate in the club's recent electoral history, a fact that club officials described as a clear reflection of increased interest and involvement in the governance of the prestigious institution. The election was conducted after a one-year interval, following the previous CGC house being elected unanimously, adding to the significance of this contest.
Detailed Vote Count and Electoral Process
Virk polled 775 votes, comfortably defeating his opponent, Captain Mohan Bir Singh (retd), who received 471 votes. Notably, eight ballots were declared invalid during the counting process. The contest for the top post was particularly intriguing as it featured two retired Army officers, adding an element of keen interest and camaraderie to the election. Voting commenced at 11:30 AM, immediately after the annual general meeting of the club, and concluded around 4:30 PM, with the presidential election results announced later in the evening.
Meanwhile, the counting for the election of the 11-member executive committee is scheduled to begin at 9 AM on Monday, with results to be declared subsequently. This additional layer of electoral activity further highlights the comprehensive nature of the club's democratic processes.
Virk's Persistent Journey and Campaign Promises
Addressing members after his victory, Virk expressed profound gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his commitment to the club's advancement. "This mandate belongs to my team and the members who placed their faith in us. I will strive to carry forward the legacy of my predecessors. Chandigarh Golf Club has the potential to earn international recognition, and we are determined to work towards that goal," he stated.
Virk's win marks the culmination of a persistent electoral journey. He had narrowly missed success in the previous two elections, polling 408 votes in 2022, falling short by 97 votes, and 562 votes in 2023, losing by a slender margin of 29 votes. The decisive outcome this year highlighted the consolidation of support he built over successive contests, demonstrating his resilience and growing popularity among members.
A veteran of the 15 Guards Regiment and former Aide-de-Camp to the governor of Tripura, Virk ran his campaign on the promise of "accountability, credibility and transparency," a theme that resonated deeply with a large section of the electorate, ultimately propelling him to victory.
Celebrations and High-Profile Attendance
Scenes of jubilation were witnessed across the club premises as Virk's supporters welcomed the result, terming it a clear mandate for effective leadership. The election also attracted several prominent personalities, adding to its significance. Among those present were:
- Sukhpal Singh Khaira, member of the Punjab legislative assembly
- Jagmohan Singh Kang, former MLA
- Pratap Singh Bajwa, leader of opposition in Punjab legislative assembly
- Rajiv Pratap Rudy
- Randeep Surjewala
- Noted golfers Jeev Milkha Singh and Karandeep Kochhar
Future Expectations and One-Year Term
Virk will hold office for a one-year term, during which expectations remain high regarding administrative reforms, infrastructure enhancement, and the overall growth of the sport at the Chandigarh Golf Club. His victory, backed by a record turnout and a clear majority, sets the stage for potential transformative changes aimed at elevating the club's stature both nationally and internationally.
