Is this what we called Democracy?

When we vote for leaders, we give them powers and expect them to solve our issues. What do we get back? Time has come to act against those who are continuing to shower false hopes and abusing the power of democracy.

The residents of Geetanjali Building Society, Dahanukarwadi, kandivali (w) are facing tough times as the original landlord Mr. Peter still considers the building plot to be his property, despite the society formation. To worsen the situation Mr Bharath Parekh, an upcoming candidate of the Congress party is planning to open a party office along with the help of Mr. Peter within the residential society. Despite several requests, the construction has started and is extremely annoying as no permission has been granted by the society members.
What makes this situation unbearable is the threats that the residents are receiving from the encroachers. Names like Vilasrao, Sanjay Nirupam and many more are being used to instill terror and showcase authority. As this was unauthorized, society members tried approaching the police as well as the BMC office, hoping for some action to be taken. However, nothing has proceeded thereafter.

Its a long story of the building where the original landlord, Mr. Peter's father gave his land for redevelopment to a builder. The builder constructed a 4 storey building with 2 flats in each floor making it a total of 10. When the society was formed the landlord's son and daughter who each own 2 flats in the society refused to be part of it. Since then, it has been15 years they have not contributed towards the society maintenance. Meanwhile, they are using all the facilities. Its not an easy task for the remaining 8 flat owners to pay for the maintenance of the entire society. The dues of the 2 flats have surpassed 5 Lacs, which is a big total for anyone.
Apart from pending over-dues, manipulating electricity and profane language are also being exercised by the landlord's children. Also, Mr. Peter's sister, feeds the street dogs within the society however does not take the responsibility of cleaning the area used.

With the congress party planning to open an office which they claim to be temporary (3 months), is complete injustice to the society members. Mr. Bhavesh kothari, Ward no 27 president, Special executive officer, initially promised the society members that he would try to solve the issue however he has turned completely deaf and is trying to threaten the society members by using names like Sanjay Nirupam and Vilasrav Deshmukh.

Society is now in process of approaching the media and is prepared to fight against both Mr. Peter and the now new threat Mr. Bhavesh Kothari. Its really painful to see how the system which was built to protect the interest of the Mumbaikar, is slowly trying to destroy it.

Comments

@Niraj yes i don't disagree. Hope is what keep me going.
By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 24, 2009 | 02:25 PM | Login to flag comment
@Amit, yeah Amit, thats why i wrote that in this case is something different. I know Sanjay Nirupam and I know his native place as well as his nature also. As a human being, he can do a lot than what he has done as a politician. I hope he will do more. But I was trying to point my fingers towards other persons who want to make money by snatching others hard earned money/property or taking life of a bread butter earner leader of a family who cant go too far against them. I have seen such incident how much and how far they can go to harass such families. You are right, but once you will jump in this kind of incident or you are a victim, then scenario is different. Try to read the mind of those victims. Your right but me too.
By Niraj Mani @ Omkaaraa | Jul 24, 2009 | 02:09 PM | Login to flag comment
Niraj but look @ this case man in charge ( Mr. sanjay nirupam) acted so quickly like this is his personal issue, I am thankful to him. I really really hope this is going to work. I completely understand fighting against system is not easy but adopting something which is illegal is not the only way left.
I wish this case will set a classic example that there are people in system who will change the system. It’s just we don’t lose hopes. Be strong , find a good way to raise your voice, people are there to hear us just we need to reach them.

By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 24, 2009 | 12:56 PM | Login to flag comment
I believe in fighting till the end. Until all hopes are not dead. But here is the difference between me and most of us. If I am fighting, and till the end, and all hopes are dead, then I cant stop myself to take those steps which my opponents are taking. If not possible to take those steps, then still I see only one solution.. "Rang De Basnti" kinda.. I know I am not correct, I am a civilian and very good social person like others. But know why at last this solution i choose. I am also a human being like others. Well educated and talented guy. If I am choosing finally this step, somewhere I am correct I think. Btw, above mentioned problem is not that much big, but I am talking about similar kind of "mafiyagiri, dadagiri" which "chhutbhaiyya or badebhaiyya or bhai or bad politicians" uses mostly to constantly torture to those families who have children and wife and parents to take care of, who works hard to earn bread butter for their families and still have to leave in threat. If this situation becomes worsen and all hopes are dead, then ONLY MY STEP..
By Niraj Mani @ Omkaaraa | Jul 24, 2009 | 11:51 AM | Login to flag comment
Mr. Sanjay Nirupam who is now in Delhi has taken very quick action against this and asked his colleague ( Mr. Govind and MR. Gorge) to speak to society members. As per the instruction given by Mr. Sanjay society members were contacted and a meeting was arranged. Mr Gorge ex-corporator of BMC noted down all the problems faced by society members and promised us the action will be taken and will defiantly help the society. I really see a Bright light after this tunnel. Thanks to MR. Sanjay and his team.
By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 23, 2009 | 07:18 PM | Login to flag comment
Appreciate Mr. Sanjay Nirupam for his prompt response! Lets see what happens! I hope the society members get the justice!
By Saif Diwan | Jul 23, 2009 | 06:08 PM | Login to flag comment
Thanks A lot MR.Sanjay Nirupam, who has shown his interest and said he will like to talk on this issue. I think I must thank Sanjay ji who has given such a quick feedback. Will update you all on this case further.

Cheers.
By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 23, 2009 | 01:19 PM | Login to flag comment
@manu. I am not sure what point you want to prove.. like when you said you should file a case against the person.. i said we have done that we have won lot of these and gave you a valid reason that he hire a lawyer and fight with no ground. They have motive to take the date ahead. I wish you understand that the society of 8 member already have a burden of 5 lac pending and also paying money for the cases field against him.

Reason we asked people from Twitter to support is to raise the voice.. and why not a site like mumbaikar to do that. Nothing wrong.When politicians try to act smart these are the channels. Yes we are speaking Midday , ndtv you will defiantly see it's appearing there soon.

Using blog to raise voice shouldn't be a problem who want to support they will. I really think voice will be heard. You Waite and watch.
By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 23, 2009 | 12:59 PM | Login to flag comment
Manu I did not say 'it is a biased or opinionated'. I said he has written the issue of the society and pain of the people...Which i can see as a fact...so I support Amit.
By Yogita Fernandes | Jul 23, 2009 | 12:55 PM | Login to flag comment
@Amit
If the court has sent a notice, not acting upon it, is violation of a court order. Any lawyer can only file a fresh appeal once the above order has been followed. We have won a case in our society against a defaulting member on this basis and also against a buidler for faulty work on a new constrcution property we bought, we got the entire amount back from the builder..In this particular OM Shanti building it simply means the society does not have a strong case in hand, for which the other lawyer is able to secure stay orders.

you can still approcah the police with the letter you have submitted to the BMC asking them to stop the activity and informing them about the Dadagiri taking place.

"one of the member from the party even said we don't require any permission in front of the police. This is what we say a Democracy." Name this person to the police, if you beleive in democracy

If you really want the media to be involved take the Citizen Journalist route on CNN IBN,

@Amit and @ Saif a picture of a baboon flaunting a party flag is a proof to show the police the might (dadagiri) they are proving. Such baboons are all over the country, havent't u seen baboons of BJP/Shiv Sena on top of the Babri masjid with their flags and during the communal riots, why single out one party? Is there an agenda here?
There is no need to get into a self evaluation mode which more needed for the society members at this stage, on why they waited dues to pile up more than 5 lakhs, when bye laws state over 2 years of non payment, the member can be expelled. I firmly beleive that the law should take it's own course, if you haven't done anything wrong, you can fight for justice. We are not a US/ UK or any other country that has perfected democracy over 100 years, our efficiency will take time and when matters are looked at objectively more than passionately and agendas.

@yogita so you agree this is a biased or opinionated write up on a blog without complete facts? Does it merit support from others for what it was tweeted Support them?

@Hemant I dont need to see any paperwork, if your paperwork is right, you are right, no party, no dada, no peter can do jack shit about it, What I simply stating is, I need to know more to the this whole story to merit support, which at this point it does not deserve and I expressed my opinion on a BLOG

By Manu | Jul 23, 2009 | 12:33 PM | Login to flag comment
@Yogita, As you have asked politicians are you listening, well if they would have listened to common people ever the condition of the country wouldn't have been so bad. Amit has posted this issue because the politicians instead of listening to the society pleas they are being a threat to the society.
Also @Saif, lets not insult the Whores either by comparing them with these worthless politicians. they are the ones who dont have any options but selling them self to earn bread for themselves and to whom they support and also the major cause of prostitution in India is the politicians themselves. Havent you seen the rallies where these Politicians conduct those nude dances just to lure the people for votes. Recently i had seen one in happening in Surat.
Amit we all are are in support with you. just one comment from a person who without having enough knowledge doesn't matter. i guess Mr. Mannu haven't seen the attached scanned documents of the issues filed already against Mr. Peters illegal acts.
By Hemant Tembhare | Jul 23, 2009 | 11:53 AM | Login to flag comment
@Manu: u r saying 'reporting should be two sided and leave readers to judge whether injustice is happening.' First of all this is not a news or a report...This is a personal blog...The writer has written the issue of the society and pain people are going through.
Great going Amit...Hope to see some action about the issue. Politicians are you listening??
By Yogita Fernandes | Jul 23, 2009 | 11:01 AM | Login to flag comment
Alright! Manu and Amit! Lets keep the society matter, and the law and eveyrthing aside for a while! We have to deal with one problem here! Look at photo! The way that person INSANELY showing us the Congress Party flag - can somebody explain to me what does that mean? I will tell you what it means if its STILL not clear to you Manu! It means that we are freaking SHAMELESS, and NO LAW can do anything to us! Sam, why do we compare these baboons of Congress with Dogs? Dogs are so faithful, but this Congress party, is like a WHORE! What else to say!
By Saif Diwan | Jul 23, 2009 | 10:37 AM | Login to flag comment
Hi Manu,

Thanks for spending some time and posting comment.

I will like to clarify this.

1st allegation of society done nothing is completely wrong. They have filed n number of complaints in the court and must have spend a lot of money to get justice. Also for your notice they have won all the cases and numerous notices has been send by court to Mr. peter.

2. You must be aware how our court matters work .. every time we have something to happen in court the opposite lawyer can manage to get the new date. And so

3.Now that person don't have any option to either sell his flat and go away or to take a political support and he has choose the 2nd route.

4. Indian politics always tried to use their power, one of the member from the party even said we don't require any permission in front of the police. This is what we say a Democracy.

5. If you think society has not done anything then please check the notices that has been send to various departments. bmc, demolishing department etc..

6. Why media? One way to fight against the politicians and people like Mr. peter is media. I strongly believe this is the best way to get notice.

7. I am not against the congress.. Society mate Mr. Bhavesh kothari a congress party worker requested him still he is ignoring and on the other hand threaten the society members by using names like Sanjay Nirupam and Vilasrav Deshmukh.

Now I think I gave ans to all your questions. I will request you to provide support rather putting up a side of people whom you never heard of.
By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 23, 2009 | 10:23 AM | Login to flag comment
It is the Power of being in Power...:(
By Gagrin | Jul 23, 2009 | 10:16 AM | Login to flag comment
Society has done nothing from their end, except sit in fear from this politicians, first and foremost approach a lawyer, show them the police FIR and your supporting documents posted., get a case rolling if this has been going for years, then approach media. There are many societies all over mumbai like these facing problems, issues, redevelopment plans stopped etc. Societies can't keep approaching media or get people to write blogs about their issue. First take the legal actions, then run to the media. Is this blog a grievance center for societies, then I know tons of societies and ask them to air their issues here. By the way the above story purely looks one sided, more like an election gimmick, to malign the congress party workers there, I don't support congress, but why are there no statements from Peter or the mentioned Congressworker, just putting up a picture of a ladder or a guy holding a flag does not prove anything
. The title is too misleading is this what called Democracy, this is not about Democracy, unfortunately none of them acted when they had to, waited for 5 lakhs as pending dues to be accumulated, they never called the BMC if dogs were issue, if the society has formed, the property card should be with the society not with peter, this gives them an edge. sadly this article does nothing to me, i don't feel any sympathy or compassion for the society members, because we have been dealing with such issues for a long time and have been very successful when we took the legal route in our locality, in spite of party threats etc. Democracy helps them who help themselves. I don;t see any reason to tie this issue to democracy, reporting should be two sided and leave readers to judge whether injustice is happening.
By Manu | Jul 23, 2009 | 10:01 AM | Login to flag comment
I have raised issue and posted comment on the site of sanjay nirupam, congress party.
http://www.sanjaynirupam.com/
http://www.congressmedia.net/contactus
let me know if is their any other site where I can post this issue.

By Amit Shanbhag | Jul 22, 2009 | 06:46 PM | Login to flag comment
Politicians always misuse their powers. People should refrain from electing such people
By Rahul Jadhav | Jul 22, 2009 | 06:33 PM | Login to flag comment
Yes, Amit, its really I found revolutionary.. as Society rules and there elected people actually not doing there duties properly. Here I have found even fraud of collection money for Ganpati festival, Dahi-handi, Durgashtami and board members filling there pockets and using Society money for them!.... These members are misusing.. and people like us... Read More don't have time so, nobody is taking action against them. I have found in our society from 2 yrs... This time I am going to check there accounts! as being owner of flat we have rights to ask them all details what they are doing of our money??
By Vaishali Ayya | Jul 22, 2009 | 05:55 PM | Login to flag comment
good going Amit. I like the way you have raised the issue of a society on a public platform. Hope this creats some action rather then just views.

One point though, while the office is being made for Congress, i don't know how Sonia Gandhi can be held responsible for this. I know its a part of her party but i wonder if she is even aware of the activities of each and every member of her party. Not that its good, but a lot of times people use big names when actually the big names know nothing about how they r being mis-used for personal gains.
By Priya | Jul 22, 2009 | 05:08 PM | Login to flag comment
never expected a mayavati style ruling by congress party.waiting for elections this november.
By pratik | Jul 22, 2009 | 05:03 PM | Login to flag comment
People given powers should use them justly, such people who try to misuse them and not going to lead this country anywhere.
By sachin vaidya | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:53 PM | Login to flag comment
Great going Peter, u are a classic example of highly corrupt guy, who just knows how to misuse his political influence. And good luck towards ur political career, I'm sure you'll be a Gr8 menace.
By Shahnawaz Dhamankar | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:50 PM | Login to flag comment
Grow up peter, school days are gone. Stop teasing and stop showing political flag..
Behave like a responsible citizen of India..
Stop troubling people with your childish acts.

By Yogesh Waradkar | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:48 PM | Login to flag comment
its really gruesome to hear what is going around in our democracy but i guess this is what is going on since ages. the political parties always gives false promises and later when a common man claims for the fulfillment the ruling parties get on to gundagiri. As far as the society rules are concerned the involvement of political parties shouldn't be there. According to the constitution there is a General body formed for each and every society and separate rules are made for it. this matter should be taken to the collector if your society is a cooperative society and also to the registrar. and if there is still the pressure of the political parties i guess the best way to deal with these white clothed gundas is approach the media.
By Hemant Tembhare | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:31 PM | Login to flag comment
Whatever they have been doing is completely intolerable and just by using names of political persons making matters worse..!!! Truly need to show such kind of people what we people can do when we want to, in a democratic country like ours ..!!
By Neha Gandhi | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:20 PM | Login to flag comment
ah so here we have a new definition for democracy..these bloody politicians a.k.a blood suckers are here to make the life of the common man even more difficult.... in Germany they said hail Hitler...here we say hail Sonia....
By rati agrawal | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:12 PM | Login to flag comment
Good job Peter!! I say you stand for elections after getting a direct affiliation and with the Congress or any other political outfit for that matter. This way you can have your way with the whole city, nay, the whole country and you don't need to use political names to threaten ordinary folks. Rahul baba, look what your followers are up to... Forget Mayawati, Peter and Kothari are the ones that need straightening up.
By Democratizer | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:08 PM | Login to flag comment
Its the height of tolerance, surprised how the the society members are taking this pain from past so many years!

Its time to show them the power of democracy!
By Neha Shrivastava | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:05 PM | Login to flag comment
System sucks.. it's time to show them the way in assembly election Mr Bharath Parekh wait and watch.
By Ganesh Gholap | Jul 22, 2009 | 03:00 PM | Login to flag comment
Nice photographs Amit. Just keep recording their acts! They way this guy is pointing the congress flag towards you, will revert back in their own asses! Don't take any kind of law in your own hands - just keep watching, and do every possible thing as per proper guidelines and procedures. And let media know what these people are doing in the name of Congress, the same political party which literally BEGS for the votes. This kind of freakin dadagiri will not be tolerated. We will fock them!
By Saif Diwan | Jul 22, 2009 | 02:58 PM | Login to flag comment
Jiski lathi uski bhains, Soniya Raj hai bhai...

Yehi kutte (i can see few dogs in pictures)vote managne aaynge november main.
By sameer Shetye | Jul 22, 2009 | 02:57 PM | Login to flag comment