Chennai, Jun 6 (Representative) the All India Chess Federation (AICF) today said itsupports five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand’s candidature forthe post of world body’s (FIDE) Deputy President. Anand will be contesting for the post as part of incumbent FIDE PresidentArkady Dvorkovich’s team.Recently appointed AICF Interim Secretary, Dr Vipnesh Bhardwaj clarifiedthe federation’s stand on the matter, saying former Secretary, Bharat SinghChauhan has always unquestionably supported Anand’s candidature. Dr Bhardwaj’s statement came after emails started circulating that Chauhanis the right candidate instead of Anand and the latter has sought support fromthe country’s chess fraternity for his leadership role in FIDE.
Though the sources of the circulated emails are yet to be established, AICFoffice bearers vehemently condemned such rumours and pledged to file apolice complaint to nail the culprits, who intend to tarnish the image of thenational federation. “The history is a little deep, this is simply a ploy by the opposing memberswho are actually not for chess but out to damage the reputation of not only AICF, but also our country,” Dr Bhardwaj said in a statement after takingcharge as Secretary following a Delhi High Court order. “This is the first time ever that the Indian team has a sponsorship of Rs 2 crorefor the Olympiad, and clearly the opposition is not happy with our work thathas been done so far,” he added. The email trails claimed that Chauhan, who was recently barred by the Delhi High Court from functioning as the AICF Secretary, has been eying for the keypost in FIDE elections, but Dr Bhardwaj as well Chauhan has vehementlydenied the allegation.