The entire defence establishment in the country is keenly watching the upcoming elections to the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) on July 31. Reason: Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju will be up against the Armys Quarter-Master General (QMG),Lt General SS Kumar for the post of president. For a long time now,the QMG has been the ex-officio president of the EFI but sources said Raju filed his nomination last week. It has been accepted after verification and unless the QMG,who has also filed his nomination,withdraws a contest is likely. Of the 1050-odd votes,the Army controls a majority. EFI secretary-general Col SS Ahlawat said,Yes,the Ministers nomination has been received. After evaluation by the election officer,it has also been cleared. Rajus decision assumes significance in light of recent criticism levelled by leading riders against the QMG for irregularities in the EFIs functioning as well as the fact that a majority of voting members are officers of various Army units,who are expected to go by the signal they receive from the Army establishment on whom to support. When contacted,Raju said,I am committed to raise the standard of the equestrian sport in the country. Beyond that I will not say anything. Raju,a senior Congress leader,is also reportedly backing some other contestants for different posts. Sources in the Army headquarters said Rajus decision is a cause for concern because if he loses,it could anger the political class. In the current set up,apart from the QMG,who is the president,most of the office-bearers of EFI are officers with links to the QMGs office. Meanwhile,it is learnt that some hectic behind-the-scenes activity is underway to get either of the two contestants to withdraw. However,the chances of this happening look slim,especially since many former riders have openly come out in support of the minister.
