Bhubaneswar Club election on Sunday

Bhubaneswar Club, the elite hangout zone for state’s top bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians, will go to the polls on Sunday after a gap of 10 years.

Starting with 23 members in 1950, the Bhubaneswar Club has now a membership strength of 2450 members. The Club has reciprocal facilities with 175 elite Clubs spread all over India including 7 Clubs abroad. The Club has made incredible and steady journey from 1950 to attain its present status as one of the prime Clubs of the country.

Former CM Biju Patnaik was the president of the club from 1962 to 1964. Subsequently, the top post was held by chief secretary of the state for many years till 2003 while other members were being nominated.

In 2004, the clubs byelaws changed, paving the way for election to all posts, including that of the president. Priyabrata Patnaik was elected as president in 2004 and continues to hold the post.

Chartered accountant Rajendra Patra is emerging as a strong contender has locked horns with incumbent Priyabrata Patnaik, a retired bureaucrat for the coveted president’s post. “It is expected to be a keenly contested election,” said a club member.

For the second most important post of secretary in the club, horticulture director Sanjeev Chadha will fight against incumbent Dibyalok Patnaik.

Around 25 persons are contesting for various posts.