.Bengaluru: The annual general meeting of Shri Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti descended into chaos, exposing deep divisions and raising serious questions about the integrity and transparency of its leadership. What was expected to be a constructive democratic discussion instead turned into a stage for ego, disorder, and personal power politics.
Democracy Silenced: Life Members Denied Basic Rights
The controversy began when Trust Secretary Manit Somani announced that life members would not be allowed to speak or vote during the meeting.
This arbitrary and undemocratic declaration immediately triggered strong and united opposition from the life members.
“We have not only contributed funds to this Trust — we have given it faith, identity, and respect. Are we now denied even the right to speak in our own institution?”
— remarked one agitated member.
Although the members were later allowed to express their views, the damage was already done. The atmosphere in the hall made it evident that democracy had been stifled within the Trust’s proceedings.
A Dark Chapter in Trust’s History
The meeting took an uglier turn when Trust President Pramod Murarka publicly insulted the President of Agarwal Samaj, an act widely condemned by members present.
Such behavior, many believe, reflects not just personal animosity but a disregard for institutional principles and decorum.
“When a sitting President says, ‘We don’t recognize you as President,’ it ceases to be a disagreement — it becomes an act of moral and institutional collapse.”
This shocking incident has left members questioning whether the Trust has now become a personal fiefdom of a few individuals intoxicated by authority.
Call for Reform: Revising the Trust Deed
Members have now raised a pressing question:
Has the Trust Deed turned into a license for dictatorship rather than a guiding document for collective good?
If so, an urgent revision is necessary to restore transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The Trust, members assert, belongs not to individuals but to all those who have contributed time, money, and effort to build it.
Leadership Walkout Sparks Outrage
Midway through the meeting, both President Pramod Murarka and Secretary Manit Somani abruptly walked out without explanation.
This irresponsible and evasive exit only reinforced the perception that the current leadership is unwilling to face scrutiny.
Such conduct, many say, is unbecoming of those holding positions of moral and administrative authority.
Collective Demand from Members
At the conclusion of the meeting, trustees and life members unanimously demanded the following actions:
- Immediate dissolution of the current committee.
- A fresh Annual General Meeting (AGM) with participation of all trustees and life members.
- Transparent, written, and verifiable answers to all questions raised during the meeting.
An internal inquiry into the events has been initiated, and further updates are expected soon.
Editorial Summary
The events at the Shri Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti AGM reflect a disturbing erosion of democratic spirit and accountability within a respected organization. Members now look to restore dignity and transparency — values that once formed the foundation of the Trust’s existence.
