SPECIAL ISSUE

January 7, 2006: Renegade Neta emerges, Big B kicks all Bs out

Dear Readers:
No matter how much one can talk, problems in Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago never end. The manipulations of its leaders and its inner politics can never stop taking the community for a ride. For the past four years, their selfish actions have crossed all boundaries. They have been amending the constitution to suit their needs and systematically breaking them for their own convenience. The problems are so deep and disgusting that even some of the executive members of FIA feel fed up with the manipulations of some selfish and self-centered netas. The “reformists” have all along been waiting for a renegade neta to emerge and stand tall against the wrongdoers.
And finally it has happened. On December 11, Babu Patel, the renegade neta, who is popularly known as Babu Marsha, with the help of FIA’s very own “Blue Ribbon Committee” conducted annual elections within the constitution (according to them) and declared himself as president for the year 2006-2007, and created his own executive committee, that is stated to have been elected unopposed.
One can reminiscent the Anupama Dharkar episode five years ago, when a rebellion group walked out from the then FIA elections and conducted its own parallel elections in the same banquets hall and formed a new FIA. However, the fight ended in the court, and the Dharkar group finally gave it up. The only difference in the so-called elections this time has been that Babu Patel, whom some of his friends call him Big B, has trapped the so-called learers in their own game.
Big B, a concerned community activist, who is also known for his bluntness, loud mouth and fear tactics, has, with the help of 21 “genuine” organizations, and a few past presidents of FIA, and the community-at-large, taken the task of cleaning up garbage out of the FIA. He vowed to weed out all the wrongdoers and restore the fair image of FIA. Though some of his friends believe that he is a self-appointed neta, they do agree that he can bring a change. He has several loyal and committed friends and an influential clout. He is selfless and has nothing to gain from the present position as FIA president. Politicians of all hues, including visiting Indian leaders and officials, are not spared without being subjected to face Big B’s frank, difficult, irksome and intriguing questions.
When India Tribune asked about furious e-mails received from the present FIA, Harish Bhatt, who termed the December 11 elections as illegal and unconstitutional and threatened to take legal action against those indulged in it, the Big B quipped: “Whom are they threatening. They all live in a glass house. Let them throw a stone, and I am sure, all skeletons will come out of the cupboard.”
Now only the time will tell what the future holds for FIA. Will the new turn of events see the dawn of a new era for FIA or will it prove to be a swan song for FIA?

Sincerely,

Prashant Shah
Editor & Publisher