Mumbai: Delegation of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti called on Shri. Kewal Semalani, the first social worker to raise his voice against the malpractices going on in managing Siddhivinayak Trust funds and the Coordinator of a Voluntary Organisation ‘Mahadhikar’ at his Nariman Point office. They had discussions with Shri. Semalani on the above issue.
He opined that all devotees visiting Siddhivinayak temple should be made aware of how the funds are managed by the Trust and a strong campaign should be started. He informed the delegation that the law under which the Siddhivinayk Trust is being governed has been challenged in the Court. After the Mumbai High Court conducted an enquiry under Vijay Tipnis, the ex-Judge, the malpractices came to light.
The case is pending for the last two years. Owing to Government’s indifference, no progress is made in the matter and the mismanagement of funds continues. Shri. Semalani told the delegation that now the youths like the members of HJS should take up such issues and start agitation. Presently, the Court has banned distribution of money by the Trust, but the money is spent under the guise of various expenses.
There is corruption in every field. He recited a line from a poem written by a Rajashtani poet ?Jab Bharat Azad Nahin Tha, Tab Bhi Itna Barbad Nahin Tha? (When India was not having freedom its condition was not bad like present). He further said that we have not yet got independence, our independence is only geographic. Such corruption and malpractices were not there even when India was not a free country.
We need leaders like Subhashchandra Bose. He said that his organization was going to take up the issue of privatization of water distribution because after privatization, the water charges would be multiplied in double, triple or even four times the present charges. In future, this issue can lead to riots in Mumbai. Presently, in road construction works too, corruption is rampant. He assured the members that he would guide members of HJS in their campaigns including legal matters.
