I’ll continue for my supporters: Poonawalla

Dismisses talk about a rift with Jain

PUNE: Setting aside all the speculation, Cyrus Poonawalla, the chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club, cleared the air by saying that there is no rift between him and the other members of the committee, and that he would continue for another year if elected.

Taking a break from the race at the Pune Race course, Poonwalla dismissed all the rumours. “This is rubbish, I don’t understand why people, without having the full picture, spread such rumours,” he told the DNA in Pune on Saturday.

“There were instances wherein we did not agree on certain issues, but that occurs within any organisation. Such things are positive and allow greater transparency, but there is nothing that will divide us when it comes to keeping the RWITC on the right track,” added Poonawalla.

Giving a list of the positive things which have happened in the Post years, Poonawalla said that during his tenure he has cleared the Rs 18 crore deficit that the club had accrued in the past.

“We did have a burden, as we had to clear Rs 18 crore losses the club had suffered in the past. Now we are Rs five crore in profit. And this has shown that there is no rift between myself and any members of the committee,” he said, refusing to mention any names involved in the rift.

RWITC member Vivek Jain also rubbished the issue and queried, “how could people talk about such an issue when it does not exist?”

Poonawalla did think of relinquishing the post, but since he did get a call from his supporters he has decided against it.

“I thought I was not giving my 100 percent to the Club, so I did think of not contesting for the elections. My supporters want to me continue, so I want to give it a try for the next tenure,” said Poonawalla.