The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: More than a month after the staging of the play Chakravyuh on January 11, the Shri Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti has found itself at the centre of a growing controversy, with serious allegations of unilateral decision-making, lack of transparency and possible financial irregularities levelled against its current office-bearers.
According to information available with the organisation’s trustees and life members, several sponsors associated with the play were subsequently granted life membership of the Samiti. The move, however, was allegedly taken without convening a trust meeting or obtaining approval from the managing committee, triggering strong resentment within the body.
Life members said that granting life membership is a significant and long-term decision that cannot be taken at the discretion of a few individuals. “Such decisions are required to be discussed and approved in a properly convened meeting. Bypassing the committee has come as a shock to trustees and members alike,” a senior member said.
Sources indicated that discontent against the functioning of the present office-bearers has been steadily rising, with several trustees questioning what they describe as a “concentration of power” in the hands of a few. Critics allege that the Samiti, a public and social organisation, is being run “like a private limited company”, with five office-bearers acting as de facto directors and taking decisions without wider consultation.
Adding to the unease is the absence of any formal disclosure on the financial outcome of Chakravyuh. More than a month after the event, no audited statement has been shared with either the trustees or life members, raising questions about whether the programme generated a surplus or resulted in a loss.
“The basic question is simple: how much money was earned, where was it spent, and what was the final balance? The silence of the office-bearers only deepens suspicion,” a trustee said.
On the basis of inputs from what were described as reliable sources, and statements from a section of trustees and life members, allegations of a possible financial scam are now being voiced within the organisation. Members are demanding an immediate and independent scrutiny of all accounts of the Shri Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti, and have urged the authorities to order a thorough audit to restore credibility and ensure accountability.
