The upcoming election for the post of Secretary (Administration) at the Constitution Club of India has transformed into a gripping political contest, drawing national attention and sparking a unique internal rivalry within the BJP itself. For 25 years, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a seven-time MP from Bihar, has held the position without challenge. However, this time, he faces a surprise opponent from within his own party — former Muzaffarnagar MP Sanjeev Balyan. What was once considered a routine, largely uncontested process has now turned into a full-scale campaign, complete with late-night meetings, backroom strategies, and shifting loyalties that reflect deeper fissures within the party and among Members of Parliament.
At the center of this battle are two distinct personalities representing different political styles and support bases. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, known for his polished demeanor, fluent English, and aviation background, has long been seen as the urbane face of the BJP’s elite circle in Delhi. In contrast, Sanjeev Balyan comes with rustic appeal, grounded in his Jat roots and rural Western Uttar Pradesh politics. His easy camaraderie and unpretentious manner have struck a chord with MPs from rural constituencies and backward communities. This contest has seen alliances built along caste, regional, and personality lines, with young MPs rallying support, strategizing voter outreach, and even coordinating over dinner parties. While Rudy has traditionally commanded influence across party lines, Balyan is building momentum through more personal, grassroots-style campaigning.
The Constitution Club of India, nestled in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, is far more than a recreational center for sitting and former MPs. Established in 1947 and formalized in 1965, it serves as a space for political discourse, policy discussion, and inter-party interaction. The club includes top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi among its voting members. While the Lok Sabha Speaker acts as ex-officio President, and the Deputy Speaker holds the General Secretary’s post, it is the Secretary (Administration) who manages the day-to-day affairs of the club. From gymnasiums to badminton courts, and from libraries to lounges, the Secretary oversees not only the physical infrastructure but also the atmosphere of intellectual and social engagement among lawmakers.
Balyan's campaign has focused on restoring the club’s lost vibrancy. He argues that the Constitution Club, once a hub of lively political interaction, has become too commercialized and disconnected from its original intent. According to him, the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that once defined the club has diminished. His mission, he says, is to revive the values that made the club a special institution for lawmakers to connect across ideological lines. On the other hand, Rudy has emphasized his long-standing experience and consistent performance. He maintains that the repeated trust placed in him by MPs for over two decades speaks to his capability. For Rudy, this election is not just about defending his position but about celebrating democratic participation even within elite institutions.
The upcoming vote on August 12 is expected to be tightly contested. With 1,237 eligible MPs, and some objections being raised over postal ballots and voter lists, the atmosphere is intense. Reports suggest that some senior leaders, including Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, even tried to persuade Balyan to withdraw to avoid a split, but to no avail. Behind-the-scenes efforts have intensified, with MPs like CM Ramesh and Nishikant Dubey reportedly helping Balyan gather support beyond traditional North Indian strongholds, particularly in southern states. As Balyan campaigns daily at the club, reaching out to MPs with his informal, approachable style, Rudy is relying on institutional memory and established relationships to carry him through.
In essence, this contest is more than a clash between two BJP leaders — it represents a deeper churn in the corridors of power, where generational shifts, regional aspirations, and social identities are increasingly shaping internal dynamics. The outcome will not only determine the future leadership of the Constitution Club but may also serve as a subtle indicator of emerging power centers within the BJP and Parliament itself. Whether continuity wins the day or change finds its way into the elite club, the battle is already being watched far beyond the confines of Rafi Marg.
