Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, President of national apex body of cooperative NCUI met IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi at his office and sought his support for the upcoming elections of ICA A-P scheduled during its General Assembly in New Delhi in November.
Presently Chandra Pal is the Vice-Chairman of ICA A-P while the Chairmanship of the Regional Body of International Cooperative Alliance is being monopolized by Li Chunsheng of China. A change of guard is likely to take place later this year.
NCUI President has thrown his hat in the ring and is all set to contest for the top post, elections for which are due in November.
Soon after the meeting an effusive Yadav said Indian Cooperative” Awasthiji has lent his whole-hearted support to me and I am thankful to him from the bottom of my heart. It is a support to the team India in a way”, he added.
Later responding to a query from Indian Cooperative Awasthi said “We are happy to support Chandra Palji for ICA AP”.
IFFCO has the highest number of votes and its support is crucial so far as Indian votes are concerned. Other voters include Kribhco, NCUI, NCCF, Fishcopfed, Nafcub and others. NLCF also used to have a vote but its inability to pay subscription for 2-3 years has divested it of its voting rights.
There are about 29 countries and their cooperatives which are members of ICA Asia-Pacific. These include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New, Zealand, Palestinian Territory, Pakistan, Philippines, PapuaNewGuinea, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
Those countries which are counted as major players include India, China and Japan. An insider says the victory of Chandra Pal Singh would ultimately depend upon his ability to do skillful negotiations with Japan, given latter’s historical antipathy vis a vis China.
Interestingly, Sukesh Zamwar of Buldana Urban fame is also on the Board as a co-opted member. He oversees the ICA Asia and Pacific Committee on Youth Co-operation. He serves as the Vice President of the ICA Global Youth Network.
Indian Cooperative is going to follow developments of this election closely and requests its readers to stay tuned.