The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) elections always seem to have some talking point. And this time, it is a letter one rival group is using to bring down the other.
By Ashutosh Shukla | DNA India
The letter is written by former vice chancellor, University of Mumbai, Dr Mehroo D Bengalee who is a also a board member of WAPIZ. She has also been former trustee of the BPP, founder member of minorities commission, founder member of national minorities commission and professor at the St Xavier’s College.
In her letter dated June 2, 2011 to namely two Parsi newspapers — Bombay Samachar and Jame Jamshed, she disassociates herself from supporting the candidature of Anahita Desai, who is supported by the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zoroastrians (WAPIZ).
Bengalee’s letter comes in the wake of a letter circulated by Anahita’s camp that asks members of the WAPIZ to support her candidature. In the letter, it has the name and signature of Bengalee.
Upset at her name being dragged without her consent, Bengalee in her letter declared that her name and signature have been used ‘falsely’. When contacted, Anahita Desai said, “ I was told that since she is still part of some central planning commission, her name cannot be used and which is why her objection.”
Rivals, however, said that it reflected poorly on her part. Kersi Randeria, one of the supporters of the rival contender for the election said, “The two important facts that come out are that despite being a trustee of WAPIZ, Bengalee is not supporting Anahita Desai. And despite her instruction, they have misused her name and signature.”
Bengalee was not available due to poor health. Repeated called to her went unanswered.
Here is the copy of the original letter sent by Dr. Mehroo Bengalee. This was forwarded to Parsi Khabar by various readers. Thank you everyone who did.
