IGU LEADERSHIP FACES UNIQUE CONFLICT AFTER THE RECENT ELECTIONS

The Indian Golf Union (IGU), the governing body for golf in India, recently experienced a significant internal conflict, resulting in two rival factions conducting separate elections for the organization's leadership.

- Farzan Heerjee

one rival faction of the Indian Golf Union (IGU) was led by its president Brijinder Singh and the other by its Secretary General Harish Shetty.

The turning point was reached when Farzan Heerjee, the ex-VP withdrew his name from the presidency and decided instead to stand tall beside Brijinder Singh. This not just showed solidarity with the leadership, but was also the morally right decision to make that would not have created waves and disparity in the IGU house.

Background of the Conflict

The discord within the IGU primarily involved President Brijinder Singh and Secretary General Harish Shetty. Shetty claimed that he would stand down come election time as his family thought the office was causing him far more stress than he could handle.

However, three months before the elections he deliberately conspired with the army faction to win his seat for the next two years. This led to disagreements between the two factions that caused a huge rift within the organization. Elections within the IGU have always been competitive, but resorting to arm-twisting and underhanded tactics was unheard of until the past elections.

So much so the matter was heard in front of the Delhi High Court which decided against interference and would only hear the matter once the elections were held. Each faction accused the other of procedural violations and interference in the election process, culminating in both groups organizing separate elections with distinct electoral rolls and returning officers.

The army is meant to uphold standards and show unmatched grace and discipline in matters of due process. It therefore, was surprising to all involved to see the army faction completely take over the main governing body of golf in India.

Elections, Outcomes and Claims