Mr Balvinder Singh Nakai an eminent cooperator who has been involved in providing strength to the Indian Cooperative Movement for the last three decades has emerged the front runner for the post of Chairmanship in the IFFCO election scheduled to take place on 2nd of May.
The confusion about the election’s final line up lifted somewhat in the wake of withdrawal of nominations by the contesting cooperators last Friday. Of the 21 Directors, re-elections of about 18 are almost certain. And with it began the next course—deliberations on the name of Chairman.
N P Patel is not keen on seeking re-election to the top post, confided one of the re-elected Directors to the Indian Cooperative on condition of anonymity. However, poor showing by Mr Patel at the ICA election where the IFFCO lost the race, may be weighing on him, he added.
Nakai who hails from Punjab seems to be the most favoured candidate and this was clear from the talks this correspondent had with the new team. He is suave and simple and these are qualities that make him acceptable to the new team. Nakai has a strong financial background – a huge plus point for him as he is seen not vulnerable to any weakness.
The election in the gargantuan IFFCO has now got restricted to three seats: constituency no.1,2 and 3 and it is expected that voting to these seats may offer some fireworks.
Three outgoing Directors who would have to win the majority votes to retain their seats are Prem Chandra Munshi, A Parveen Reddy and Tryambakrao G Sirsath.
Mr Simachal Padhy whose future looked uncertain is a relieved man now. His rivals have bowed out of the race.
The front-runner Nakai has earlier served as Vice Chairman of the IFFCO for two terms. Being a farmer himself, Mr. Nakai has been instrumental in formulating farmers oriented policies of the IFFCO, claimed a source.