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AIFF election: Kipa Ajay slams critics of Rijiju

Ajay was given a rousing reception by the members of the APFA along with KWS on his return to the state on Tuesday.

Itanagar: Newly-elected All India Football Federation (AIFF) treasurer Kipa Ajay on Tuesday slammed allegations that Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju interfered in the AIIF elections.

“It was very unfortunate and utterly condemnable that false allegations were levelled against Rijiju. He had worked tirelessly for the development of sports in the country during his stint as the Union sports minister and has always encouraged the sportspersons in every discipline to develop and reach new heights,” he said.

According to a PTI report, Rajasthan State Association president Manvendra Singh had alleged that Rijiju was at the hotel where the AIFF members stayed and told them to vote against Bhaichung Bhutia in the AIFF president elections.

“Some people are making false allegations to defame him,” Ajay said without taking any names.

He thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is also the president of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), his fellow executive members of the state football body, the Kipa Welfare Society, his family members and the people of the state for their support and blessings and dedicated his win to them.

He promised to work hard in his best capacity for the development of football in the state, the Northeast and the nation as a whole.

Earlier, Ajay was given a rousing reception by the members of the APFA along with KWS and hundreds of well-wishers at Gumto on his return to the state.

In a reception programme jointly organised by KWS and APFA at Naharlagun, both organizations congratulated Ajay on this historic feat and wished him the best for his new responsibilities.

Also read: Arunachal’s Kipa Ajay is new treasurer of All India Football Federation