A few days back, I had received a message saying that 'that the entire BFI Committee has been scrapped by the government. A notification for new elections at Jabalpur will soon be coming up.'
I had generally put it in a WhatsApp group primarily to elicit more information on the subject since I trusted the person who shared the information with me.
Quite a few people contacted me either for information or with more allegations etc.
The BFI Executive Committee did, in a few days, post a notification for elections on the website, a process which normally takes place every four years. No mention was made about the committee having been scrapped. This has raised in my mind and, I am sure, in the minds of others as well, a few questions which have led to the writing of this post.
The title of this post, for those unaware of its literary connections, has come from a verse by Lewis Carol (the author of Alice in Wonderland). In his poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter", he wrote
Indeed, the time has come when people should be taking notice of the goings on around them and I am putting in my own two bits on the same. Here are a few thoughts on the goings on(all my own work).
The BFI Election Notice
A couple of days ago, there were stories going on about how the incumbent BFI committee was going to be replaced for various reasons. While there are a few unpleasant comments about various officials going around, I am reproducing the 'official version' as is available on the BFI site.
In view of few EC members and office bearers resigning, and also considering the fact that, President has to vacate the post by June 30th 2024 (as per the BFI MOU- attaining 70 Years), a notice is hereby given for the elections of the following posts scheduled to be held on FRIDAY, 6th January, 2024 at 19.30 hrs at Pasricha Banquet Lawns, Jabalpur
Why?
This publication is confusing. Because a few EC members have quit, what could have been the compulsion to replace the existing secretary, Pradeep Kulkarni? Or the Joint Secretary, Ranjan Bhattacharya? What would have made them willingly relinquish the remainder of their term? Especially when Pradeep Kulkarni would have served two terms and would be ineligible to stand for reelection. Further, not wanting to stay secretary now, is inconsistent with him having stood for reelection.
One thing missing in the current elections is the absence of the 'Elite Player' group. Is this a requirement or isn't this a requirement? Totally unclear.
When?
It is quite clear that this decision is not voluntarily unanimous. As far as I can make out, the reasons for this decision does not seem to have been made public to all members of the EC either. One of them went on to write
If it is a directive from the government it maybe ok to hold an election but only after REASONABLE NOTICE. Has the government said it is to be done hastily after declaring a previous election as illegal? We need to know why it was declared illegal and why we are accepting it just like that.
( I was requested to publicize this in order to delay the conducting of elections )
We have seen one player making a case to delay the election as well.
To be perfectly honest, I believe that if it were indeed the case that the election has been declared illegal, it makes sense to move to a new body as soon as possible.
Secondly, if we miss the National's date, the next major date when we could arguably expect most of the office bearers to congregate would be the Bhartiya event. If that is not an 'official' BFI event, then the next event would be the Summer Nationals. Which would be 6 months or more away.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
The above phrase is generally used to describe a situation in which a person or body having power to supervise or scrutinise the actions of others, is not itself or themselves subject to supervision or scrutiny.
I am writing this with respect to the matter of conducting these elections. It is not clear who the returning officer for the elections is. As of now it, seems to be Pradeep Kulkarni.
If his election itself were illegal, how can he be a returning officer? This is a question which comes to mind immediately.
Let me hasten to add that this is not a personal comment on Pradeep Kulkarni's integrity.
In Conclusion
It is with a heavy heart that one has written this. The next few months are going to be of turmoil for Indian Bridge. I hope we can come together, rise above ourselves and put this behind us as soon as possible so as to focus on greater glories which seem to beckon us at player levels.
Please do share your comments in the space below.
Disclaimer : All opinions are entirely those of the author and are no reflection of the views of the BridgeFromHome Team.
Quite an accurate summation of the situation.
I have some observations of my own that I’d like to share.
If I understand it right, every state (permanent member) can nominate a maximum of two persons to form the electoral college. From BFI ‘s site it seems to have 21 permanent members. So a total of 42 people.
All contestants have to be from within this group.
We are contesting for 10 positions. Assuming 2 contestants per position – that’s 20 candidates – out of a set of 42 eligible to vote. Seems like an environment tailor made for horse trading. I believe this comes from national sports code. If so, there isn’t much any of us can do about it..
The notice sent to state associations also states (but the notification on site does not) that 4 of the EC members have to be elite sports persons (any post) and 2 have to be lady members (any post).
First obvious question would be – why is this missing from notification on the website.
2nd would be – if the member states are not obligated to nominate elite sports persons or lady members, how are you going to ensure this.
I hope the returning officer – whoever it might be – will find a solution to this conundrum.
@Sandeep I think a contestant can vote for other positions Can one person be nominee nated for more than One post.
My opinion is election should only be announced after 1) Knowing why the current election is termed illegal (and by who) and who is taking the responsibility from the BFI- Whoever should not be involved in future elections -They should recuse ) 2) Information about the National sports code should be made available to the state bodies and how now we can be considered compliant. 3) What happens if there are not enough Elite sports persons or Lady members , who are not in contest or not elected. 4) Clarity on the policy and compliance is must before announcing elections 5) BFI is spending the money of the state bodies and hence should be transparent
Perfectly penned. So many issues in the build-up to the grand finale at Jabalpur still remains and probably shall remain unanswered. Two nominations from each Association is what I have also come to know BUT I am really keen to see the relevant Sports Code(or any amendment thereof) as laid down by SAI, since, I can distinctly recollect that there was no such constraints earlier.