Dissent in the Indian Hockey Federation grew further on Saturday with Vice-President Narinder Batra beginning to count number on his side and reiterating, in the very presence of incumbent K P S Gill, his decision to contest for the president's post.
"We are eight to 10 of us talking among us. There is a very strong dissent," said Batra, whose presence at a press conference called by Gill in New Delhi raised many eyebrows.
"The president called me up and asked me to say in front of him whatever I had told the media earlier and written in my letter to Secretary K Jothikumaran. I had no problem in doing that," Batra said.
Batra, in his letter to Jothikumaran, had asked him to provide the necessary documents, including the federation's finances ahead of the General Body Meeting on January 30.
He also questioned Gill's continuing in the President's post. "Gill is calling Dhanraj (Pillay) to retire. I ask him when is he [Gill] going to retire?"
Batra also dismissed Gill's statement that he would not stand for another term. "He always says so but always does the opposite."
Batra evaded a direct reply when asked about the timing of his outburst since the issues he has raised have existed for long. "We want to bring more transparency. People have to know what is happening," he said.
On whether he thought Gill could be ousted, Batra said, "It is up to the members of the IHF. The dissent is strong. As I said before, if nobody comes forward, I will contest the elections myself."
On his part, Gill ruled out sending a show cause notice to Batra. "Some questions have been raised. I will give an explanation in the Executive Committee meeting. There is no question of sending any show cause notice," Gill said.
Batra, however, aligned himself with Gill on the issue of Gerhard Rach, the German who stepped down as national coach three days ago. "I don't trust him [Rach]. I don't think what he says can be believed. I spoke to the players also, and they also feel the same. He has not been a good coach."
