Raninder hits out at the Punjab govt

 National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Raninder Singh on Tuesday accused the Punjab government of putting pressure on the voters ahead of the federation’s elections on April 6.

Raninder was accused of rigging the nomination process of four life and four annual members at the general assembly on Monday and was quick to clear his stand. He requested the members to stay away from politics.

"They (Punjab government) are using the police to put pressure on the voters. Not long back we were in the power when my father was the chief minister. It is very bad how the Akali Dal government is misusing the state machinery to garner votes,” Raninder, son of former Punjab chief minister and state Congress president Amrinder Singh, told reporters.

"It is unbecoming to bring politics into sports, especially in a sport like shooting.”
Olympics silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore had asked that the four life and annual members, who also have voting rights, should be elected rather than being nominated by Raninder.

The proposal underwent voting with Raninder getting the backing of general assembly with 523 to 317 votes and retaining his power to nominate the representatives.
Raninder said he was being appointed the returning officer for the Monday’s general assembly as per the NRAI constitution.

"Incumbent president is the returning officer according to the constitution since the last 40 years," he said.

Raninder said elections will take place in accordance with NRAI's laws and by-laws and in tune with government sports code.