IMA elections headed for a triangular contest?

As members of the Indian Medical Association district play the blame game ahead of the proposed elections...

As members of the Indian Medical Association IMA district play the blame game ahead of the proposed elections, speculations are rife that the elections is headed for a triangular contest.Even though the members discussed various issues in their annual general body meeting held here on Saturday evening and decided to sort out differences through talks, holding elections seems unavoidable.

If the sources in the association are to be believed, the election is headed for a triangular contest due to the emergence of different groups. The elections to elect the office-bearers of district IMA are scheduled to be held on December 21.

8220;But we want to sort out issues through talks and have a unanimity so that there is not need for elections,8221; said Dr Arun Mitra, president, IMA district branch.

When asked about whether he would like to continue as the president, he said, 8220;I would like a new face to succeed me.8221;

Sources in the association revealed that the names doing the initial rounds for nominations to the post of district president of IMA include Dr Narotam Dewan and Dr Kulwant Singh, who were earlier supporting Dewan8217;s candidature but turned against him after he was persuaded by dissidents in Dr Mitra group. His supporters are believed to have split from Dr Mitra group.

On the other hand, Dr Mitra also confirmed that the names of Dr Dewan and Dr Kulwant are doing the rounds till now. 8220;But it is too early to say anything. The election process will start with nominations which will take place between December 1 and 8. The scrutiny of the nominations and the withdrawal can take place till December 15, so we cannot say much.8221;

He added that an attempt was being made to unanimously conduct elections. 8220;We would prefer that no polls take place,8221; Dr Mitra said. However, Dr Gursharan Singh, who is former national vice-president and former district president too, said, 8220;We are adopting a wait-and-watch policy for the time being but we are keeping our cards together. And there will definitely be a candidate from our side.8221;

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The announcement of elections by the election committee of IMA on November 19 had drawn flak from a faction of members stating reasons about holding a general body meeting before the announcement. Some members have also raised issues related to the IMA house in BRS Nagar and its alleged misuse by giving it on rent for family dos.