After a generational gap of 20 years, elections were held in a democratic manner for the Management Committee that governs both Alok Vihar 1 and 2. Electoral processes such as filing of nominations and of votes were duly conducted resulting in the formation of a new team for a 5-year period. Here is the story.
Entire Alok Vihar, constituting 488 flats, is run by a cooperative housing society, FDDI SAS Ltd. and is located on plots F-3 (168 flats), F-4 (160) known as Alok Vihar 1, and F-6 (160) known as Alok Vihar 2.
Several years ago, residents unsuccessfully appealed to the Awas Vikas Officer to ensure free and fair elections in Alok Vihar. Again, in December 2024, with continuous persuasion and pressure from various bodies, the Election Office finally accepted a submission by flat owners for conducting elections. Credit goes to the District Magistrate, Manish Verma, and Assistant District Magistrate, Atul Kumar, for their unflinching support and dedication towards upholding the core values of democracy. The documentation and fee submission for elections were submitted by residents instead of the erstwhile general secretary, who was unwilling to initiate a democratic election process.
Since inception elections were shown to be held in records without participation of residents.
After tremendous effort by a dedicated team of residents, and working against all odds and resistance from several quarters, 16 January 2025 was announced as the day for elections. Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer were appointed to ensure free and fair elections. The DM also appointed the City Magistrate, Vivekanand Mishra, as an outside observer. Residential towers were divided into 9 wards. Elections were conducted through a constituent representation basis.
Attempt to Subvert: The RO and ARO were supposed to paste the signed and stamped electoral list on notice boards by 8 January, but several revised lists were issued thereafter against norms by the erstwhile secretary to remove candidates not in his favour.
Nominations of two candidates opposed to the erstwhile General Secretary were rejected as the latter filed false claims of outstanding dues despite NOCs and share certificates issued under his very own signature! In another case, while an NOC was issued, the nomination was rejected because the share certificate was in the name of the widow’s late husband. She was not even allowed to cast her vote! The share certificate was not transferred in her name as a premium was demanded. Share certificate hasn’t been given to many other residents too.
These three disqualified contestants have submitted all documents to the District Magistrate revealing the falsehood and brazen methods employed by the erstwhile General Secretary to subvert the elections in favour of his team. Re-elections in these wards will be sought after the verdict of arbitration.
Interestingly, a case was filed by the erstwhile General Secretary’s candidates with the City Magistrate’s Office against some residents for allegedly threatening residents.
The Outcome: With excitement running high and frayed nerves, residents cast their vote on the election day. The Election Manual states that no other constitutional post exists other than the President and Vice President. On 17 January, Sanjeev Abrol and Pradip Mohapatra were appointed as President and Vice President respectively by majority vote among the eight elected candidates. The other six were inducted as Directors.
Regular, free and fair elections form the core values of our democracy. Residents now look forward to a fair and transparent documentation and governance process that doesn’t profit or discriminate towards any person or group.
Eight elected members of the Management Committee (marked by red arrows, from L to R): Sanjeev Abrol (President), Suresh Chand Gupta, Sanjay Verma, Pradeep Kumar Mahapatra (Vice President), Tulika Prasad, Shailja Singh, Shivali Panwar, Gunakesh Rai (not in pic ), along with a few residents who played an instrumental role in the election process.
