Batra said that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has also joined the chorus to oust Ramachandran. This simply means that Bhanot, who is controlling AFI, has switched sides in the last few days.
The process to bring the No Confidence motion against Indian Olympic Association president, N Ramachandran, is an example where voters change sides as per the course of wind.
Only a few weeks back, dna reported that how former IOA chief Abhay Singh Chautala, who had to leave his seat after India was handed suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), joined hands with disgraced former secretary general Lalit Bhanot to save Ramachandran from being voted out as the IOA president.
On Tuesday, Hockey India chief Narendra Batra sent another mail trail claiming to have support of more than required 50 per cent support of National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SAOs). The HI president has claimed support of 18 NSFs (out of 36) and 18 state Olympic units (out of 35).
Batra said that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has also joined the chorus to oust Ramachandran. This simply means that Bhanot, who is controlling AFI, has switched sides in the last few days.
"With the required majority to convene the special general body meeting (SGBM), we are sending the notice to IOA president to call the meeting as per the rules in next 30 days. The process of No Confidence motion starts from today. If he fails to convene it, then Executive Members (EC) have the powers to convene the SGBM with a 21-day notice. This means, he effectively has 51 days to save himself from the no-trust motion," Batra said.
"Other NSFs and SAOs including AIFF, Cycling federation, Punjab, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Himachal state units have promised to send the letter of support soon. There shouldn't be any problem in voting him out," he added.
Batra, an associate vice-president of the IOA, informed that he will try to bring the number of SAOs and NSFs to 60 per cent and that he will also appoint a retired judge to monitor the entire No Confidence motion process.
"I wouldn't spare him for the trouble he has caused to the IOA members. I will expose his misdeeds at the Ethics Commission. I have so much material against him to drag him to the commission. He will be the next (Sepp) Blatter," he said.
Asked about Ramachandran's replacement in case he is voted out, Batra, at least, ruled out his own candidature. "I am not in the race for sure," said Batra. "I am just fighting against corruption. Virender Nanavati could take over the reins from him being the senior-most vice president of the IOA."
But, the big question still remains unanswered. What exactly changed in little over two weeks – from May 30 to June 16 – that the move to vote out the IOA president suddenly gained momentum and Bhanot-led AFI supported the No Confidence motion?
"I was travelling outside country, so everyone waited for me to come back," Batra said.
However, according to an AFI source, the federation has only extended its support to Batra in calling the SGBM and not for Ramachandran's removal. "We are supporting Batra in his fight because we are not exactly happy with Ramachandran's style of functioning."
However, it is not known if Chautala has also switched sides or not. According to IOA loyalists close to him, Chautala has been keeping a close watch on the developments taking place and would only reveal his cards in days to come.
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