The dormant volcano with its epicentre at Bandra Gymkhana has had eruptions before, but this time knowledgeable estimates tell that it will be big enough to create change. Allegations and counter-allegations are being thrown, like arrows in the wind. This British era institution has witnessed ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’, through the decades of its existence. Now, many say, “Enough is Enough”.
An armchair view of what’s been happening – recently.
SURGICAL STRIKE
Monday 3rd June 2019, 12 noon – was when the Bandra Gymkhana had a record number of inwards at their office. There were more than 80 lists, with a total of 1005 voting member signatures; who have supported the ‘No Confidence Motion’, proposed by Roger Drego and seconded by Joseph D’Souza. The reasons given was the way the club was being managed – with alleged high-handedness, arrogant attitude towards members, etc. As per the club’s rule # 26, a Managing Committee meeting has to be called for – and arrangements have to be made to hold the EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) as requested at 10am on 30th June 2019, where a count of voting members from the club, will decide to continue with the present committee, or not.
There are several historic moments in-the-making, even as you read this.
COUNTER ATTACK
Armed with the list of signatories (for the EGM), the present committee swung into counter-action. Many members (including senior citizens) homes were visited and they were allegedly threatened to sign a revoking letter, or else… One of them, Michael Hendricks, who was visited by Jt. Hon. Gen. Secretary Cornel Gonsalves at 9:15pm on 4th June – complained of extreme harassment to him, at the Bandra Police Station, the next morning, with an N.C. The Senior Police Inspector Girish Anavkar called Cornel to the Police Station, which allegedly resulted in some fierce interaction.
A series of unsigned fliers are allegedly being distributed by the present community, maligning certain individuals – so as to sway the minds of members to vote against the resolution. This propaganda is allegedly being carried out at banks, bazaars & even funerals. People are reportedly asking, “Since these are honorary posts, why cling on to them – as if your life depended on it?” The present committee is allegedly making claims of “progress” & financial “savings” in the club management; while others allegedly claim gross mismanagement.
BATTLEGROUND
The real show of strength – to retain or remove the present committee, will be at the EGM, on 30th June 2019, when members from across Mumbai & beyond are expected to vote, in a Secret Ballot. This will be conducted in a free & fair manner, under complete Audio Video Recording, by an Independent Polling Officer.
Besides Bandra, Bandra Gym voting members are expected to come from Juhu, Vile Parle, Andheri, Malad, Borivali, Santa Cruz, Kurla, Mahim, Wadala, Girgaum, Colaba, Manori, Gorai, Uttan, Mira-Bhayandar – and yes, even Vasai-Virar. Totally, more than 1,200 voting members are expected to cast their vote.
Founded in 1935, on land donated by Dr. D. A. D’Monte, the Bandra Gymkhana is evolving fast. From small beginnings has been the bastion of sports, culture, literature and talent. Blessed with a building which housed many social, cultural and sporting facilities, and flanked by five tennis courts, the “Gym” – as it was abbreviated in the years, when there were not others in the vicinity – has played a vital part in the history of the suburb. Since 2004, when its expansion took shape, it moved to a different and more dynamic level.
Now, we are again at crossroads – to continue the present progress, or have ‘new blood’ to take the Bandra Gymkhana to ‘World Class’. The choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions with respect to the EGM
Venue: Bandra Gymkhana Hall
Date: Sunday, 30th June 2019
Time: 10am (Please be in your seats by 9:45am)
What is the resolution being proposed at the EGM?
A vote for ‘No Confidence Motion’, against the current Managing Committee by more than 1000 signatories – for the resolution.
Which type of members can vote?
Bandra Gym members, who can vote, are:
- DN (Donor members)
- LA & OL (Life members, includes the spouse of the member)
- LB (Life B – Only the main member)
- LD (Priests/Holy orders)
- OR (Ordinary member – only main member)
- OD (Spouses of LB and OR)
All these acronyms are mentioned on the ID cards.
P.S. Cards with bans of Blue or Brown are voting members cards.
How will the voting be conducted?
Voting will be done by ‘Secret Ballot’, with the paper slips collected in a Box. You can choose ‘FOR’ or ‘AGAINST’ the resolution – with total secrecy.
Can you elaborate, please?
If you want the present Managing Committee OUT (i.e. changed), Tick ‘FOR the Resolution’ – 1
If you want the present Managing Committee TO CONTINUE (not changed), Tick ‘AGAINST the Resolution’ – 2
Will members be targeted, by those with opposing views?
There will be NO ‘show of hands’, as was the practice in previous years. This will ensure complete secrecy. So, NO targeting is possible.
What happens if the voting results in favour of dissolving the MC?
Then the present MC stands dissolved and only The President, Trustees and the 3 Salsette nominees will run the affairs of Bandra Gym. Thereafter, all eligible candidates will be elected by the voting members of the General Body, at the AGM on 30th September 2019.
What happens to the affairs of managing the Gymkhana?
Nobody is indispensable. It’s ‘business as usual’, with new management – no interruption.
Any CHECK LIST, to ensure that I do not forget anything?
Pay all outstanding fees (if any) by 25th June – pay till 30th Sep. 2019, or more.
Carry your Bandra Gym Membership ID Card for the EGM.
All voting will end at 2pm.
