Sitting in his chamber perhaps for the last time the outgoing Chairman of Fishcopfed Prakash Lonare was pensive. He knew he has lost even before the election started. His wife- a cooperator in her own right and some of his supporters were giving him company when this correspondent nudged him to say something.
“MD has backstabbed me and he is going to pay for it. The BJP office is keeping watch and there were phone calls coming from all the top leaders- Amit Shah, Radha Mohan Singh and Shyam Jaju”, Lonare was direct and blunt.
“MD started spreading rumour that I am losing thereby diverting support from me and that he did it at the critical time just two days before the election. In the days before the vote, he was sweet and nice but changed tack as the election day drew nearer”, Lonare hit without mincing words.
There are 13 votes from Maharashtra and I have support of 8 but still I may lose as all 31 voters from across the country have to choose a representative from Maharashtra. Is not it ludicrous? He asked.
Lonare also felt that the controversial 5 voters have voting rights though they may not contest as they have yet to complete one year of membership- an issue of ambiguity in the bylaws.
If I lose I will certainly challenge the election, he averred.
Rebutting Lonare charges point wise MD of Fishcopfed BK Mishra said he has received no phone calls from BJP leaders.”Yes a small time leader called up but he only talked of keeping the process transparent”, he replied. We have ensured complete transparency and fair-play, he added.
“Lonare Saheb was the Chairman and he could have effected necessary changes in the bye-laws to make anybody a
voter but clamouring on the day of election is not fair”, Mishra said on the issue of voting rights of the five controversial voters. Lonare and Mishra had almost come to blows on the issue on the day of election and Mishra had to finally call media and police to ensure order.
On the issue of Zone wise voting also Mishra said it is not the first time that this practice has been followed. Chairman could have got it rectified during his time, he underlined.
“My mind is clear and you have seen with your eyes how transparently this election was conducted. I do not fear anyone as I stand on the strength of truth and honesty. Everything has been video-recorded and we would come squeaky clean even if the matter goes to court”, Mishra asserted.
