Army, IAF chiefs to clash over club post

NEW DELHI: Adding a new twist to the feud between the three services, Army chief General JJ Singh is taking on Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia, the head of Indian Air Force’s largest and most crucial command for the presidentship of the prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club.

As two serving military officers take on each other, their followers aren’t sparing much in trying to belittle the opponent, as the club regulars begin to divide into two clear camps ahead of the elections. 

The September 29 poll would replace the present governing body including the president, former Research and Analysis Wing chief AS Dulat. The members would also elect the 16-member governing body. 

Sources in Army and Air Force admit that the two contenders are not sparing any chance to win the fight. JJ Singh may be hunting for a post-retirement job having failed in his mission to get government offer him something, say some government officials. And Ahluwalia’s detractors are amused to find the head of the Western Command fighting the elections.

But, an observer lightheartedly said, “Thank God they fight in this country for only such trivial posts. In Pakistan at their level, military officers think only about becoming the country’s president.”