Vote With A Conscience

This article is not to advocate for any candidate nor influence any voter. This write up is to place facts about two candidates and let the voter decide. The others I won’t bother as they have no history about serving the community in any manner. These people pop up during elections and disappear after they lose. Their sole intention is to be used for breaking votes.

Let’s start with Xerxes Dastur. He is well educated, professional, has his own practice. He stood for elections the last time, he lost. From the time he lost until today has anyone heard of him? He could have continued working and supported the BPP with what he had promised the people. In politics, even the Congress lost to BJP but the Congress continued and worked as an opposition until next elections. He claims he comes with no tag nor alliance but the people know who is backing him behind the scenes. He did not even have the time to collect his election form – it was collected by his alliance partner cum supporter. Even for distribution his alliance partner is calling up colony for request to be distributed. We all know who is this alliance partner backing him. His manifesto claims that he would amend the present merit rating system, make clear guidelines on housing, bring transparency, convert leave and license into rentals. I have a very simple question to such claims. How? No single candidate can claim to solve issues unless backed by a majority because of groups and coalition on the Board. Why misguide the community? Hypothetically speaking, if he is elected, he will, in my opinion, join hands with the minority group that exists in BPP – which means back to square one!!!

On the other hand, you have Anahita Desai. She is good at man-management. She is a grass-root worker, gets along well with the staff, she carries out work silently, assisting the BPP without blowing trumpets. She too lost the last elections, but continued working for the community, either in her individual capacity or through the BPP. She never gave up serving those who approached her. She has made no customary claims like other candidates that she will provide housing or convert leave and license to tenancy etc. She has a track record and has delivered results. She does not need such gimmicks to get elected. Her work speaks for herself.

As I said we all have a right to our views. These are mine and others too are welcome to air their views. Don’t go by fake promises. Can these candidates give a signed affidavit that they would fulfil what they have written in their manifesto? It has become a fashion nowadays to fool the community by stating that ‘IF ELECTED’ they would do away with leave and licence and bring in tenancy. Don’t fall for it. One elected Trustee had made such a promise now he avoids this question on tenancy when asked! Anyone can promise the moon, but can they deliver?

Don’t get fooled by speeches or manifestos. Vote on the basis of performance and not fake promises or impressive pamphlets.  Unaccounted 20 lakhs and jewellery found in BPP cupboards when there are 3 safes! Rs.40 lakhs paid by cash for some BPP judgement! Musharraf’s case of cash in lakhs handed over to the late Ex-CEO’s wife residence! These are people whom the community voted in. They invested crores in their election campaign. I fail to understand why anyone would spend so much money from his own pocket to win elections when all he wants to do is serve the community without any benefits. They don’t have a conscience, but you, as a voter, do. Use it wisely this time.

Arzan J Ghadially (arzanjg@gmail.com)

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Vote For The Diamond To Make Our Community Shine!

The time has come to elect a trustee to the board and also time for us to be cautious, vigilant to select a time-tested and result-oriented candidate whom we have seen with our own eyes and heard with our own ears.

Friends, there can be no better candidate, amongst the current lot, to vote for, than Anahita Desai. Period. The BPP office takes a long time to act on matters because of lack of people to guide them. This is where Anahita’s expertise comes in. Since action speaks louder than words, her result-oriented approach makes her overshadow her competitors. It is easy to shoot from someone else’s shoulder and claim tall results which most of the other candidates are doing. If they are all so concerned about the Community’s welfare, then why don’t they reconsider their standing, knowing fully well that they have been propped up only to cut into Anahita’s votes??  This noble gestures of theirs will not only speak highly of them but will also save the BPP huge sums of monies.

Most of the other candidates are mere dummies spruced up with one and only one goal. They have no credentials, no track record justifying their candidature. They are only used to cut votes. Money can buy votes, not a good trustee. We have a diamond in our midst, so let us encrust her in the BPP and let the board glitter and the Community shine, which is the need of the hour.

Spenta Umrigar (smu0210@gmail.com)

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Support For Xerxes

I have worked with Xerxes Dastur and his father Vispi Dastur for several years to further the cause of our community. The Parsi anthem was written by Xerxes’s great grandfather Kavi Batliwala and we all sing it to date with pride. The family has always pushed for positive changes in all spheres possible. They have always supported good work of silent community workers.

Xerxes is a good natured and honest individual committed to the cause of the community. Our vote and support is with Xerxes!

Tehmina Peer (Fort, Mumbai)

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I know Xerxes Dastur very well both personally and professionally. He is dynamic and wants to bring about positive change in the way our community affairs are being managed. He is great believer in the youth community and works hard to support them. My vote goes with him. His win is the community’s win.

Kersi Aga (Cumballa Hill, Mumbai)