There were 23 nominations and 268 delegates had to exercise their voting rights in the election. But the election went uncontested and all the 15 Directors were re-elected unopposed.
Talking to Indian Cooperative NCUI President and one of the board members of newly elected board of Nafed Dr Chandra Pal Singh said that Nafed is passing through crisis and in the given scenario greater the cooperation the better. We are indeed fighting against factionalism and we want to put up a united house before the world, Mr Singh added.
“Everybody has decided to rally behind Bijendraji and all the contestants have given him right to decide on their fate thereby displaying a unique example of unity, Mr Singh added
Rumours have prompted speculation that the top two cooperators including R.S. Joon and Vishal Singh the son of the former Nafed chairman Ajit Singh are jockeying for chairmanship. It is being widely believed that Mr. Vishal would get Mr. Birendra singh’s support as he is close to him. But so is Mr Joon, say sources.
Avoiding direct question from the Indian Cooperative Mr Joon said that it is a national election and a host of factors are playing their role. He almost declared himself small for the post but yet pointed towards Bijender Singh as having the final authority on the issue.
However, there are elements caviling at Vishal having a go at chairmanship arguing it was during his father’s stewardship that the Nafed went belly up. When asked to comment on developments in his organization , the outgoing chairman Bijendra Singh was extremely cagey about his stand.
On an Indian Cooperative inquiry, the outgoing Chairman Bijender Singh turned diplomatic and refused to divulge any name for the top post. “we are consulting among ourselves and the media, meanwhile is free to float any name it wishes”, he said.