New Delhi: 15th May: Praful Patel, the hi profile Minister for Civil Aviation, whose ministry recently signed the USD 7.9 billion deal to procure 50 Boeings for the state owned Air India, is all willling to wield the stick power. This businessman turned politician from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is already a vice president in the ALL India Football Federation. He expressed his hockey credentials recently while giving away the prizes during the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Tournament.
Though the official announcement is yet to be made, it is certain the Minister has been convinced by a section of electoral college to lend his name to the contest. However, the official announcement of him entering the ring would depend on whether the High Court, Delhi, which is hearing a case against the conduct of may 23 election stays the election or not.
If the stay is not granted, Praful Patel is likely to announce his candidature anytime after he returns from Toronto.
Hockey for long has been in the grip of police regimes, somehow politicians kept arms distance away from it. Perhaps the success of PHL and general awareness of politicians to the sports seemed to have made a difference now.
At any given time, the performance of politicians in sports are better than the police.
It is generally expected that Gill will not contest the election as he is suspected of undergoing health problems.
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