Excerpt from TOI, reported by Linah Baliga, TNN on Nov 29, 2011: Read Full Article

Residents of Chembur on Sunday nominated civic activist Dr Neelam Rane as their citizen candidate for the BMC elections slated for February, 2012.

Dr Neelam Rane as their citizen candidate for the BMC elections slated for February, 2012

Popular in her locality–ward 149-for taking up various civic issues, including the closure of the Deonar dumping ground, 51-year-oldR anehas pipped pathologist Dr Indumati Gopinath as the citizen’s choice for the corporators ‘ contest. Currently, the Shiv Sena’s Raja Chaughule is the corporator of ward 149 in Chembur, which comprises Tilak Nagar, Pestom Sagar and Chedda Nagar.

According to residents, Rane has since long been fighting for the citizens ‘ rights. Being a managing committee member of Pestom Sagar Citizens’ Forum, she, along with her doctor husband Sandip Rane, spearheaded the Smoke-Affected Residents’ Relief Forum in Chembur, which was formed to fight against environmental pollution caused by illegal dumping of garbage at the Deonar ground. “We found that the illegal garbage dumping was taking a toll on the environment of Ghatkopar, Chembur, Deonar and even parts of Vashi. We filed a PIL 14 years ago and did not stop our battle against the onslaught on environment till 2010,when thehighcourtordered a scientific closure of the dumping ground. The HC formed a committee and entrusted it with the task of overseeing the shutdown. My husband, Dr Sandeep Rane, is a member of the panel,” said Rane.

Three persons were arrested today from Mumbai North-East Lok Sabha constituency with cash worth Rs 2.60 lakh which was allegedly meant to be distributed among voters, police said.

The trio – S Mangesh, A Sanjay and Abbas were intercepted early this morning when they were travelling in their car at Shivaji Nagar in suburban Govandi.

“During patrolling, police stopped their vehicle and recovered bags filled with cash worth Rs 2.60 lakh,” police official from the Shivaji Nagar police station said.

Police suspect that the cash was meant to be distributed to voters, as the packets in which the cash was kept had Civic Ward numbers written on them.

as reported in Press Trust of India , Mumbai April 30, 2009

If you don’t know already … in spite of having a proper Voters ID and having No Change in my Address for the past twenty five years …Surprisingly! My name was not there on the Voter list this year …I Dint VOTE! I Am A Cipher!… While outside the booth , trying to find my name on the list . I noticed a few who similar problems …

In addition to a poor turnout, probably many who stepped out to exercise their franchise, returned home unhappy from the polling stations. Like Me, he disappointment faced by several hundred voters who couldn’t find their names on the voter list.

“I have been voting for two decades now and both my wife and I have our ID cards intact. Four years ago I shifted my residence from Chembur Camp to Mahul and this year we applied for a change in address. However, our names are nowhere to be found. We have been running from one booth to the other as per directions given to us by the ‘help desk’ stationed in every booth. Its surprising that we could not vote despite having voted in the past,” said a disillusioned businessman, Dayal Wadhvani. Both he and his wife Leena went for a final try at the Guru Nanak High School in Chembur Camp where surprisingly Leena found her name listed but her husband’s name could not be found.

• Vote for Change!
  
• Get Out And Vote!
  
• Be The Change, Go Vote!
  
• Remember 30th April!

Realizing sincerely and early that one has to be the CHANGE rather than just asking for one,  I have been trying to become an above average citizen by doing my bit for the CHANGE that we are all craving so much for. The dhobi list of things that I have been getting myself into in context with the ELECTIONS 2009,  since the past few weeks has been endless…

• Went to “Know Your Candidate” Sessions
• Attended the JAAGO RE Session in Dadar
• Made a full research of the 23/24 candidates of our Mumbai South Constituency. Even went to the level of understanding the kind of Criminal Records that some of our candidates had.
• Added Myself into almost every community related to Chembur on ORKUT , trying to force regular Election News and induce the  ”VOTE for a Change” mood  into the members!
• Blogged my way into everything that just mentioned the “E” word. 
• Preached to friends and relatives about importance of Voting. 

as I said … It is a dhobi List .. It is end less!

Captions Log , Star date: 30 04 2009 , 06:00 hours , VOTING DAY:-
Finally!!! The V-Day. It was almost like an endless rush of adrenalin in me.  I nearly felt like a proud Indian who was finally going to get to serve his country.   Got up at the first ring of my alarm clock ( which has never happened before) , Fresh and equipped with my “VOTERS ID”,  I walked out, with pumped up chest, running the list of candidates through my head for final check, before I could press that crucial button on the Ballot Machine, believing that ” My Vote” was the deciding vote for our COUNRTY .
 I flashed my “Voters ID” at the Booth Level Officer , almost as if it was a pass conferring, my diplomatic immunity to enter any port of this world,  let alone a polling booth outside my society   I had lived for life. The bubble burst…”Tumcha Nav Nahin Aahe!!!”. These four words just sucked the life out of me.  

NO NAME ON VOTERS LIST ! How is that possible … ” I HAVE A VOTERS ID !!!! ”  I frantically searched for my identity in the entire list, both English and Hindi lists, and of other  Poll Booths too  :) ,   hoping that it would have been jumbled around or may be I might have been assigned to a different Father/Family or something (Jokes apart …. My Father’s , fathers name, on his list is some weird name having no relation what-so-ever)… I was like “Jason Bourne” trying to find “WHO I WAS , WHERE I WAS” . The tragic ending to my story was that there was NO HOPE for me. I gave up almost after an hour +  later …

 Completely Embarrassed and Lost. On my walk back home, I was totally deflated, I felt like people were looking through me … I WAS A CIPHER… A NOBODY!!!! (I never wanted to believe, when my wife used to tell me that  :) … NOW it is officially proved)

PS.  I have a VOTERS ID for sale…!

We have complied a list of the candidates contesting from Mumbai South Central Constituency , by collating pieces of candidate information from more than one websites. Please Vote the right candidate.

Contact Details:
2nd Floor, Matoshri Towers, Padmabai Thakkar Road, Shivaji Park, Mahim, Mumbai 400016, Tel : 9821511555

Contact Details: Gayatri Apartments, L J Road,Matunga (West), Mumbai, Tel: 9892227113 / 9820815025

Contact Details: B-3/19, M.I.G. Colony,Bandra (East),Mumbai:400051

Contact Details: C3 Flat No. 4, Sumannager,Chembur West, Mumbai , Tel: (022)25221734/9322264815

Contact Details: D-30 Ellora, Anushakti Nagar,Mankhurd, Mumbai, tel: (022)25567442/9969474239

Anaria Pawar,32, Male, BRP [Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha]

Contact Details: Room No.1, Ground Floor, 8,Gandhi Vihar, Sakharam, Kir Road, Mahim,Mumbai-400016

Source: ECI

Contact Details: Bhartiya Kamala Nagar Zopadpatti, Salt Pan Road, Wadal,Mumbai:400037

Contact Details: 41/1660, D.N. Nagar Zopadpatti, Salt Pan Roa, Wadala, Mumbai:400037

Contact Detials:

Contact Details: S. Annabhau Sathe Karmabhumi Patrachi (Porbunderwala) Chawl,14/12, Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai:400086

Mumbai South Central Constituency Candidate

Dr. Ghosh was Head of Biotechnology Process Development Section, Food Technology Division at Bhabha Atomic research Center, Mumbai. 34 years experience as Scientist in R&D.  He has  Won several awards at national and international level. Best scientist award in BARC and BARC Officer’s Association, Independence Day National Award from National Research Development Center, India and Gold Medal from World Intellectual Property Organisation, United Nations.  He has been featured in the Internationally famed ‘Marquis Who is Who’ in science and technology,  Has got wide experience in administrative activities, framing of organisational policy and constitution and managing and running the organisation.
• Contributed to the industrial growth of our country as a member of a high powerful Committee of Infrastructure Development & Miscellaneous Projects, Ministry of Environment & Forest, GOI.
• Was President of BARC Officer’s Association for 4 consecutive years.
• Founding President of All India Department of Atomic Energy Officer’s Association for 4 consecutive years.
• Founding member of COAST – a Federation of Dept. of Atomic Energy Officers Association and Dept. of Space Research Officers Association.
• Organised a National Seminar on Science Policy, Implementation and Assessment with the aim of initiating a public debate on the topic. Invited the country’s top researchers, academics and industrialists for the same.
• Authored a book (unpublished) to address issues that plague Science and Technology Centers in India.
• Was instrumental in setting up a Hostel for cancer patients coming to Mumbai for treatment
• Donated ambulance to Cancer Patients Aid Association and Tata Memorial Hospital, through BARC Officers Association.
• Organised regular seminars, talks and public debates in the field of medical and healthcare for upliftment of society.
• Spearheaded drive to collect Rs 1 Crore for Tsunami relief work.
• Active ground level participation during relief work after Orissa was hit by a deadly Cyclone.
• Founded an NGO, ‘TAPOVAN’, which aims to build a Home for Senior Citizens, integrate them with society and utilise their expertise and knowledge for the benefit of society.
• Trustee of Jadavpur University Alumni involved with upliftment of educational system and providing financial support to meritorious and needy students

Qualifications:
• Ph.D (Engg) conferred by Jadavpur University, Calcutta (India)
• B. Tech (Food Technology & Bio Chemical Engg) from Jadavpur Univ
• Bachelor of Science (Honours in Chemistry) from Calcutta University

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan, Desh ki Pragati ho Pradhan, De do Sailen Ghosh ko Apna Matdan

Friends,
I am contesting to honour the voice of Mumbaikars. Post 26×11, the entire population of Mumbai sought a change- change in leadership, change in devising mechanism to tackle Terrorism, Corruption, environment protection and issues pertaining to Mumbai.

I am of firm opinion that changes do not come automatically. Innovative mechanism need to be adopted to bring change. I am confident that I will achieve change through implementation of my manifesto indicated below.

I have been a Scientist with India’s Premier R&D Labs for 34 years and a common man all my life and hence what I am saying has its basis to address the issues.

My manifesto:

1. Identify, Isolate and Remove the ills plaguing our society and restricting our growth.
2. Every one looks for security, safety and prosperity and this can be achieved via change in Government Service Conduct Rule and transparency in Government. I will seek to modify the Service Conduct Rules so that anyone and everyone can debate on various Government Policies.
3. While most politicians ask for more funds, my endeavor will be to generate new wealth for the country by means of Innovations in R&D.
4. I want to make scientific bodies accountable to the nation. Their priority should be to work towards making us a Developed Country in all respects.
5. I want to set-up an “Employee Rights Commission”, on the lines of Human Right Commission, to prevent harassment of sincere and honest officials. These upright officials are an asset to the nation and suppressing them will make us hollow from within.
6. I want to set up “Special Courts”, dealing with corruption cases. The aim of these courts will be to give a judgment within 10 days.
7. I want to build a senior citizens home named ‘TAPOVAN’. TAPOVAN will integrate the senior citizens back into society and they will lead a dignified life. This will be achieved by creating forums where youngsters have an opportunity to learn from the experienced and talented senior citizens. Each senior citizen will share his expertise in his chosen domain.
8. I want the giant wheels of government machineries to be run by participation of one and all, rather than leaving it in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats only.

For a change, VOTE FOR CHANGE.

Your vote is valuable; please cast your vote in my favour and give me the mandate to honour your desire to bring about a change.

With warm personal regards

Dr Sailen Kumar Ghosh

Mumbai South Central Constituency Candidate

Educational Qualifications and affiliations :

• M.Sc. (Physics), University of Indore,
• Ph.D. (Science) University  of Bombay, Mumbai
• Scientific officer at BARC from 1970 to 2007
• Member Advisory board for interdisciplinary research, Medical university of Maharashtra,Nasik, Maharashtra
• Project advisor coordinator for research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)
• President BHUMI (National NGO)

Dr. Akalpita Paranjpe is the president of Bhaarat Uday Mission. She is a scientist by profession trained in Physics.  She was born and brought up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. After completing her post graduation in Physics from University of Indore she was selected in the most prestigious research institution, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). After completing the training course she joined as scientific officer. While working as a scientist in BARC, she did her PhD from University of Bombay, Mumbai. She has worked in variety feilds like liquid crystals, amorphous materials, fractal growths etc.

Dr. Akalpita Paranjpe took Homeopathy as her hobby and later did lot of basic research in Homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicines. She has many publications in reputed international journals not only in the area of Physics but in Homoeopathy also. Her work is well recognized by the researchers in Homeopathy and she is invited for giving talks at national and international levels. She is conducting research projects with the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH} with students working at Homeopathy College in Mumbai.  Many needy people have benefited from the medical advice and support she has been providing for over 25 years. She has succeeded in solving many complicated cases through her knowledge of Homeopathic and Indian medicines.

With a strong desire and drive to take social work for betterments of society at large and to enter into politics for good governance she took voluntary retirement from her prestigious job as senior scientist in BARC. She has started an NGO called “BHUMI” and is a founder president. For political activity she has applied the organization “Bhaarat Uday Mission “‘as a Political party.

Not exactly a mass gathering, compared to the number of actual eligible voters in Chembur but overall it was a session you missed, if you really were interested in knowing a little bit more about the candidate you will be voting for. The candidates who made themselves available well before time were Dr Sailen Ghosh (Independent) , Shweta Parulkar(MNS) ,Dr. Akalpita PARANJPE (Bharat Uday Mission). Suresh Gambhir (Shiv Sena) did give a late visit and early exit. Out of these candidate who turned up to have themselves known to the few good countrymen who turned up who would you vote for?

1. For punctuality and making themselves available to the people they will lead , the Dr Sailen Ghosh , Shweta Parulkar, Dr. Akalpita Paranjpe are in a tie. They were available from the overture untill last man standing.

2. For knowing his political onions right, making a political impression of ” Yes! This is my man , Its he who could do something!” … would go to Mr. Suresh Ghambir, who came with a drum-roll and exited with a bang. It felt like there was a political presence in the room. Oh! and he did give politically balanced answers to the questions he was thrown at.

3.For making us citizens feel that we have one among us on the hot seat, an individual finally educated and intellect enough to lead us, it would be Dr Sailen Ghosh and or Dr. Akalpita PARANJPE ,They both seemed to be very down to earth. They might lack the political qualities and trachea as of now, but seemed to have a right attitude and drive to change a few things around us.

4. For using the right words and right phrases, giving the best answers right to the point, having a personality and charm to be a leader, Shweta Parulkar seemed to be the right blend with sound education and family background, personality and the required political backing to lead the flock.

Well! The problem is I’m still confused whom to vote for?

What people had to say:

Kishor Mirgh, Maharashtra General Secretary of Akhil Bhartiy Janasangh : “ABS will only  support CLEAN ( NO Criminal Records) Candidates.  Please come and and vote on the 30th. We want to see atleast 80/90% of the citizens casting their votes”.

H.K. Clubwala (Environmentalist & Activists) : “Youngsters should take interest in the functioning of the state. This is for their future. There should be one common language.  English the language that will can take India to the level it should be in. ”

Joboy Thadicaren : “What our city and country as a whole  primarily needs is not political reforms but Police Reforms.”

MP and Congress candidate Eknath Gaikwad is probably the best bet for the Mumbai South-Central Constituency. He is up against Suresh Gambhir, the Shiv Sena MLA from Mahim, and Shweta Parulkar of the MNS, who enjoy relatively less support in these areas. Eknath Gaikwad couldn’t have asked for a better deal as Majority of voters in the Mumbai South-Central comprises the Dharavi assembly constituency (including some parts of Dadar), Sion-Koliwada, Wadala, Mahim (parts of Dadar east), Chembur (East) and Anushakti Nagar assembly constituencies are from lower castes and come from poor backgrounds .

Since 62% of the votes will come from slums, it is obvious that Dharavi will be key in deciding the MP. Besides, the inclusion of traditional Congress strongholds like Anushakti Nagar and Chembur in this constituency after the delimitation will strengthen the party’s hand.

As reported in DNA on 17th April 2009 …read more DNA

So what do you want in exchange of your valuable Vote?
Senior NCP activist Kishore Joshi received a shock recently when a woman in Bhandup asked him to foot her pre-paid mobile bill. “I was campaigning for my party nominee Sanjay Patil in Bhandup when this woman told me she would vote for the party which paid her bill,” Joshi said.

In other areas, candidates were asked by slum voters to pay their electricity bills. Said Chitra Gangurde of Chembur: “They won’t show up till the next elections. So what is the harm if we barter our votes? Most netas have declared assets in crores anyway.”

As reported in TOI 15th April 2009