Club class

It looked like a fight that would turn ugly and embarrassing, given that two top serving defence officers were involved. But the tussle for the presidentship of the Gymkhana Club of Delhi has been resolved with both candidates making compromises. Outgoing Army Chief General J J Singh has settled for a year at the helm of the club and gave his 8220;gentleman8217;s word8221; not to re-contest next year. This paves the way for the other contestant, Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia, to take over in 2008. The compromise itself, however, was arrived at after the fight reached ugly depths. Last week, Gymkhana members found an anonymous note listing unsubstantiated allegations against Ahluwalia. Many felt it was in poor taste, but feared it could get worse given the clout and resources of the two very senior defence officers. It was at this point that outgoing president A S Dulat, former RAW chief, was asked by top Government officials to end the embarrassment before it got out of hand. Dulat, who may have favoured Ahluwalia8217;s candidature, worked out the face-saving deal, giving Singh his one year in the limelight. With no post-retirement offers yet for the Army Chief, the Gymkhana will surely keep Singh alive 8220;in the circuit8221;.