The ace cooperator from India Dr Chandra Pal Singh Yadav has said in an exclusive interview to Indian Cooperative that he would like to be the Chairman of regional body of International Cooperative Alliance known as ICA Asia-Pacific only if there is a consensus about his candidature among the Board members.
“I do not want to put any pressure on delegates who have come from 28 countries; how can I?; what would they feel that I have invited them to seek their votes?, asked Chandra Pal. Since I am the host I am uncomfortable seeking votes for myself especially when the Regional Assembly is taking place on Indian soil ‘, he added.
Yadav however said that had the election been taking place in any other countries he would have been a contender. Earlier, there were media reports that Yadav is likely to throw his hat in the ring. “It was indeed there in my mind earlier but as the day drew closer I felt awkward seeking votes from the guests”, he explained.
”I do not rule out my candidature as such and whatever has to happen would happen on 18th November when the Regional Assembly meets, Yadav clarified. We would like to have a consensus candidate and my full support will be with the decision of the Board,’ he underlined.
Meanwhile, recapping the details of the last meeting of the outgoing Board Balu Aiyer stressed on having a consensus for top posts. He has reportedly reminded members of the tradition of cooperation that defines cooperatives.
Chandra Pal is the Vice-Chairman of the outgoing ICA A-P Board while the Chairmanship of the Regional Body of ICA is in the hands of Li Chunsheng of China. A change of the guard is likely to take place this year.
There are approximately 239 votes claimed by about 28 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.