ఇది అండి గత ఎన్నికల చరిత్ర

Syam,

I am quite incensed at some of the messaging that challenges each of the observers and candidates intellect. None of the Nomination Committee members (and you in particular) informed us that all candidates had transferred all their rights to us, what these rights were etc. Therefore, it seems absolutely ridiculous that now you send out messaging that indicates as such, and not copy us on your messaging.

I am also flabbergasted by your 'reasoning', which sounds completely unreasonable. As observers, the only instructions given us were–

a. No talking to anyone in the room, no touching any ballot boxes/papers/etc., and

b. Only observe what is going on and report discrepancies you observe to you or Mr. Nadella, and not even the Election Officers.

How can observers in tight jackets exercise any authority at all, when we were literally in straight-jackets?

I had believed in an election process thought and believed to be a fair process at the surface, and I did not challenge or even second guess any part of the process. An election process as I understand commences from a fair and accurate electoral list agreed upon by each candidate (and EC), the same list shared in common with ALL candidates as soon as the lists are prepared, being used for casting votes fairly by all paid members as of a given cut-off date, and the casting of votes being executed fairly, followed by the counts also being done fairly as well by neutral persons.

Now there seems to be a breach of the entire process almost at every step. This is also evident from your responses I see below, and lack of responsiveness to messages from candidates and others, that I hear.

At the end of the counting process, I signed a paper that was put forth. After we spent 6 hours in a closeted room, we indicated by our signature that the particular step in the process – that of the counting being fair was fair and accurate. That accuracy was limited to the fact that 2 people reported the same number counts at the end of their count. None of the observers were allowed to touch any ballot paper, validate or certify that each candidates votes tally was accurate. None of the persons that counted bundled them together, and sorted them again based on candidates outcome and come up with their count. What almost everyone did was that, they confirmed the previous person's count being accurate without revalidating the stacks for correctness of grouping. It would have taken more time, and everyone wanted to get out quickly. So, they just counted the papers in each bundle., I did NOT certify that each bundle at the end of each sorting operation had only that particular candidates papers. There lies a huge discrepancy.

We signed the paper in good faith that all other steps of the process were done fairly. From your messaging and responses to it, and information I gathered after we left the room, this is not true.

We were never apprised that the voters lists you were using were NOT approved by the EC. We did not even see the lists of voters/ valid members or compare the lists with the EC certified lists (on TAMA website and also was pasted outside the election hall on the walls by TAMA) to be accurate. Here lies another huge discrepancy. If you are now saying that we as observers have certified these lists, you are either deliberately misleading the recipients of your messaging. We have no clue of your intentions in this regard. This is absolutely unacceptable.

The expectation that Surya Duggirala and I had, as did each candidate from Srinivas Cherukumilli's panel, was that the count was going to be electronic. This did not occur, nor did you insist this occur. You are very well aware of the manual errors that could creep in. We did not object, little knowing that most of the election officers were completely biased in favor of TSR's panel. If the Election Officers were all neutral and fair, no one would suspect any wrong doing. Two of the election officers made snide remarks about the candidates, such as "they could not even get these number of votes", on more than one occasion. I did not object to any of these remarks, as they seemed to be silly and immature. These election officers are some of the ones I guarantee were NOT neutral. If your 'process' in selecting neutral election officers was flawless, this should never have happened.

After leaving the room, we learnt that text messages and phone calls were made from inside the room to candidates outside the room providing up to date information on vote counting. There is proof of this. How could you allow this to happen? You would clearly state – you did not know. You should have asked everyone to deposit their cell phones with the NC, and place them on a table away from anyone. That could have prevented the occurrence of messaging while a sensitive count was in progress. I would like to hear how fool-proof your so called 'process' was.

It is a shame that there is a strong perception that you connived with some of the candidates and stooped low to pander to their requests for your personal gains. I would like for you to address this perception by lifting your veil of secrecy by doing the following -

1. Provide the accurate voters list used at the ID check, (which was never established). Understand that the final, official list published by the EC was not used by you. Therefore please immediately circulate the lists used for ID check by you, and which contains original voter signatures, for our verification.

2. Send a list of ALL election officers to this DL with breakup of who were at the Annual Members Desk, the Life Members Desk and at the counting time.

3. State the selection for the election officers. Who selected them, who authorized and certified each of them as neutral officers?

The list of eligible members on table was never certified by any observers, and no one certified the lists of the ballots – who certified them? Why was this not circulated before, to each candidate once their names were announced? Is this EC certified?

The use of pencils was never agreed upon by all candidates. In fact it was communicated to the candidates that ONLY pens would be used. Yet, at the last minute, it was switched to use pencils. Why the sudden unilateral change in heart? Was this approved by the EC?

From eyewitnesses, I have heard that some members voted more than once. These members came into the polling station area repeatedly, and went to different officers, signed papers, collected ballots and voted multiple times. Earlier in the process, student id's which are valid everywhere in the US were not accepted as valid ID's, till there was a protest. We also have an incident that two members were given yellow coupons to pick ballot papers, after they had voted once. These were declined by them in full earnest. There is no guarantee that similar incidents did not occur with others. Many members were seen coming into the voting stations more than once. Voters not in the lists (both your list as well as the EC certified list) were allowed to vote, eg., Chetana Reddy & Padmanabha Reddy– were not allowed to vote initially, then allowed to vote and did vote. About 40 members were turned away citing the reason that they were not on your list. However, they were on the EC certified list. After they left, in the last 5 minutes of voting you opened up for those cases in the face of pressure, but they had left by then. So, 30 votes could not be cast. This is completely unfair practice, and such practices cannot be condoned.

Based on these incidents, there is a serious suspicion, rather we are all quite convinced that you did not do enough to have fair play – you acted openly and shamelessly biased. Where is the sanctity of the so called process you crafted? Or was this crafted to suit your personal agendas? You seem to cloister all facts under a shroud, and all these examples are of your own making.

The stand you seem to have taken, to destroy ballot papers is entirely baseless and reflects your total lack of impartiality and commonsense. Taking sides like this directly hurts your credibility in the entire community. It is a serious matter and has caused a shadow of suspicion on your ill-intentions. If you have any iota of sincerity, honesty and credibility to protect, you should take serious and immediate action to call for a recount, and if even one error is unearthed, completely dissolve the voting and call for another election. Only then would you come clean of these issues.

We now look forward to your response within 8 hours, failing which you would be solely responsible and accountable for the resulting consequenses.

Lanka

లావు 'TATA' చెబుతాడా లేక 'పువ్వాడ'నిస్తాడా

Last year elections lo 'tana' మీద యుద్ధం చేసిన వాళ్ళిద్దరిలో ఈసారి ఎవరికి support చేస్తాడు?

రాజు గారి మనక్షోభ

Dear Shyam garu,

While the elections are going on I have expressed some concerns about how the elections are being conducted by your esteemed committee.

You have said that you have acted everything according to your conscience.

And I have asked you to provide me the voters list that has been used during the electoral process.

You said that "I promise on my conscience and I will provide you the voters list being used during the electoral process.".

But you were not to be seen after the elections.

Now I urge you to keep your word made on your conscience and provide ALL the original voters list along with the voters signatures.

Thank you Shyam garu.

టాటా గారి మందు ముక్క విందు

Dear Friends,
We would like to request the pleasure of your presence for a get together dinner to rally our supporters for the upcoming TAMA elections. Please come along with your spouse(if applicable) and meet and greet our friends and show your supoort to the "A" team. Please be sure to come with your family and friends.

Note: Please RSVP before 10AM on 11/29/2009

Entertainment:
1. Orchestra
2. Songs Competetion
3. Games for kids and adults.

Thanks & Regards,
Madhu Tata (Team "A")

ఇది అండి మన తామా రాధాంతం

On Tue, May 26, 2009 at 9:58 AM, Gireesh Reddy Meka wrote:

This is a false statement from Akkeneni. He took cash from me on that day and said he will pay that cash on line with his contribution. I had asked him later once again and he said that his Internet connection had some problems and he said he will do it once the Internet is back. I am surprised now that he is saying that he never took any cash from me on the day of Rudraraju condolence meeting. I think there are some witnesses, if anybody presented at that time please let the committee know about this.

Just a suggestion to respected General Secretary,

Dear sir Grneral Secretary TAMA 2000 Garu. Please do not worry about the accounts or any other things from my side. I will do it at my convinent time. I am committed to work for TAMA, and I will do this deep from heart. I don't even listen to a God if I don't want to do it. So please stop playing your dirty politics and concentrate on helping us in the the community service. We will let you have those pictures you desire and the name tags you wish for and the stage appearence that you thrive for.

Why do you want to be in the email list that email is not the property of TAMA or Telugu community. This is the email that was created by the president for his covinence. Your contribution to TAMA is celdom and you make things complicated and you drive other members crazy with your useless arguments and language in fornt of our kids and spouses.

Please do not make things complicated and also do not think that you are indespensible. Please stop calling other members individually and discussing about the next year positions. Do not play the trick of divide and rule with the group politics.

If u do not stop doing this then you will see the other face of me. Yes this is a warning to you and I don't care with whom ever you talk to. Let us do something for this year we dont mind if you don't help us at least do not spoil those minds who are interested to work.

My request to all the members please keep this kind of people at bay. Please do not entertain this kind of acts. This will really spoils our interest in TAMA.


Please let me know if I am wrong.

Thank you

Gireesh Reddy Meka

ఏ ఎండకి ఆ గొడుగు...

Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 20:47:47 -0700
From: phanidokka
Subject: My Resignation
To: President
CC: Members of EC

To

TAMA President 2009



Dear President :
I am not happy with the developments that have been taking place in our EC team for the past 5 to 6 months.

All my efforts to re-unite our whole team have been futile. I sincerely feel that the differences among some EC members are growing each day. I am very much disappointed with this unfortunate situation.



As a Literary Coordinator (Literary Secretary), my only interest is to promote / pass on our Great Language & Rich Culture to our next generations.



The latest EC developments are causing a lot of unnecessary mental agony and anguish to me personally and have started to come in my way of fulfilling my duties as a Literary Coordinator (Literary Secretary) TAMA 2009.



Hence I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position of Literary Coordinator (Literary Secretary) TAMA 2009, with immediate effect (10/04/2009 11:50 PM EST).



Thank You,

Phani Dokka
-----------------------------
Date: Sat, November 28, 2009 6:20:11 PM
From: Phani Dokka
To: XXXXXX

Dear XXXX,

Phani Dokka, worked as Literary Coordinator in TAMA Executive Committee 2009

I feel privileged to write this endorsement letter supporting TEAM 2010, out of which most of the candidates were part of TAMA EC 2009. I had the pleasure of working with them on many innovative cultural/literary programs including Palleku Podam, Sahiti Sadassu and Manabadi, just to name a few. Team was very successful in promoting core values of the organization.

I strongly believe that the combined years of volunteering experience and diverse backgrounds will bring the items on the agenda to fruition. TEAM 2010 will bring leadership and right direction to TAMA by doing what is right for the community providing a great platform to promote our culture and heritage to its highest standards while following the standards set forth in TAMA constitution. I wish TEAM 2010 all the success.

Yours
Phani Dokka

మనము cheste shrungaramu, అవతలి వాడు cheste vyabhicharamu

Dear President,
I want to comment on seeing all of these. As most of all you know, I
was a non-controversial person and was never involved in anything.
Being a TAMA member, I, not only appreciated your efforts but also
expressed my concerns in a DEMOCRATIC way about Pallekupodam incidents
which I experienced personally. Why weren't my concerns taken in a
constructive way and never been apologised. All I expected was "we
regret and won't let it happen again", instead we had go through chain
of emails. In addition to that, you called me and started abusing, for
which I had to retort in the same way, which was unfortunate. This
reminds me the telugu adage " Manamu cheste shrungaramu, avathali
vaadu cheste vyabhicharamu". How would you explain that?

Sridhar

ఇది ఏమి సామి !!!

Dear Chand garu and members who have received this mail:

I did my best to let the officers of TAMA work out the differences and
not interfere in any manner. Chand garu spoke with me on more than one
occasion about TAMA and I did not want to get involved. There were
others who were actively working to resolve the issues at that time.

However, the barrage of mails, and what seemed like petty squabbles
intermixed with constitutional issues, resulted in matters ending up
in courts, inspite of serious attempts by several past presidents and
other well wishers of TAMA. (Chand garu: good people did not keep
quiet. They did try, to no avail.)

Yesterday, I received an email from ipetitions informing me that I
signed a petition calling for a general body meeting. I did not sign
any such petition. Some one signed that in my name. This is very
disappointing since the integrity of the petition process is now
questioned. I do not know how many were actually signed by people
whose names appeared there. Therefore, I decided to respond to this
mail from Sri Reddy.

I echo the sentiments expressed by Sri Reddy. Just as it is important
that past presidents and other well wishers of TAMA should not be
silent if things are done that are not right, it is equally important
that we should not inflame the situation by interfering too much. My
request to Sri Chand garu and others, please let the executive
committee carry out the judge's directives.

I do not have the skills or ability to mediate any of these disputes
that have been raging recently. So, please do not ask me to be part of
this process. There are many capable people who can do this.

I wish every one who is interested in helping our community the best of luck.

(I did ask ipetition to remove my name from the list of people who
signed the petition. I am waiting to hear from them.)

మీరూ ఇంతేనయా...

I'm very saddened by the fact that we are receiving so many depressing
e.mails about TAMA. Till now I restrained my self from making any
comments. Since the email that I recevied this morning from Chand has
started with a quote: “The silence of good men is more dangerous
than the brutality of bad men†- Dr. Martin Luther King, I felt
like sharing my thoughts, for once, over the current episode.

Obviously, there are two groups fighting for control of TAMA, an
organization founded to serve the cultural needs of Telugu people in
the metro Atlanta. Till now, I didn't find any suggestions, in these
e.mails, on how to make TAMA a more vibrant organization or ideas for
new programs. All the fight is about individuals, personalities and
their inability to come to gether for a bigger cause in the interest
of Telugu community.

No one can deny that the current TAMA EC made few mistakes like taking
away the voting rights of annual members by amending by-laws with out
the due process. In fairness, the EC has conducted creative programs
like 'Palleku Podam' and helping the 'Butanese Refugees' etc.,besides
continuing scholarship programs etc., Over the past one month several
elders of the community spent hours and hours to see if a compromise
could be made between these two groups. Several reasonable suggestions
for compromise were made. Unfortunately, both the groups stuck to
their positions and all the efforts gone in vain resulting in one
group approaching the court. Now the Court has spoken....

Here is my sincere request to both Chand & TSR:

Chand:

Since the Court has vindicated your argument to extend the enrollment
date for new members and opening nomination process, now you should
let the TAMA EC do their job and implement the court order with out
you making it any complicated with your demands for 'TSR to step down
gracefully' or 'to replace Ramakanth Rallapalli as Chair of EC' etc.,
If you want those demands to be implemented as a remedy, you should
have asked the Judge to pass an order to that effect. You had your
chance.
Since you said that you took the matter to the court in the interest
of the community, you should cooperate with the TAMA EC to see that
the elections are conducted smoothly. No one should forget that the
court order applies to both the parties and any hindrance to implement
the court order by TAMA on one pretext or the other could be construed
as contempt of court.

TSR & EC:

Since the matter has now been adjuged by the Court, you have the
responsibility to implement the court order in both letter and spirit.
You will not try to find any loop hole in the order so as not to
implement the order for its' intent or else such action will be
construed as contempt of court. Also, you have a responsibility to
see that the transition of power occurs smoothly to the new EC at the
conclusion of elections.

Let us all work to bring this sad chapter in the history of TAMA to a
quick and peacful conclusion so that we all could put it behind us and
focus on taking TAMA's programs to the next level.

Chand బల్లా !!!

Amendment to TAMA Constitution – Voting and contesting rights for Annual members

“The silence of good men is more dangerous than the brutality of bad men” – Martin Luther King


Dear TSR,

I never thought that I will drag TAMA into legal challenges but you left me no alternative because of your autocratic actions and failure to respect the promises made on 9/27 infront of Dr. V, Dr. Rao, Bala. Had you informed the TAMA members on 9/27, I wouldn’t have a reason to
question your leadership. Unfortunately, you made mistakes; defended your actions; caused legal expenses to TAMA. I would request you to take moral responsibility for your actions and step down gracefully from the position of President.

Today, Judge was very critical about the withdrawal of Anand’s Nomination Seconding by Mr. B.K and its handling by the nomination committee. I would request you to replace the Nomination committee chair Mr. RR with a Past president without affiliations to any group.

I love TAMA; I will stay inside and fight for fairness and transparency rather than starting another organization. Fortunately, US is not Banana Republic.. There is a built-in protection for individual rights.

Let us work together to give a pride place for TAMA in our minds and hearts.
Regards,
Chand
Life Member and Past President

FATWAH ISSUED

Subject: Re: List of members consolidated by 11-23-09
From: TSR
To: EC



Dear All,
Please validate the list with comments and send it to the nominating
committee and cc me a copy immediately.

My comments are:
1. All the membership applications with signature need to be verified
during voting day against their valid ID. If signature differs, please
disqualify them from voting.
2. Disqualify all the applications that do not have Telephone number,
email and insufficient address as the candidates can not reach them.

Thank you,
TSR
President
TAMA EC 2009

________________________________________
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM, Chand wrote:
Please see the "fatwah" issued by the current President and judge for
your selves..What I am fighting against..

*************************************************************************************

From: TSR
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 6:41 PM
To: Chand
Subject: Re: TIME to break silence ...

Dear Chand,
Please do not use the word that is not congenial to the public. These
are my comments only and not ruling or order. I can express my
feelings in a democratic process. This clearly indicates that you have
developed some kind of grudge or animosity on me. Please remove any
ill feelings that you have and let us work together to finish this
election process in a fair democratic way. I sent this email to the EC
member and wondering why you are answering.
Thank you,
TSR
________________________________________
From: Chand
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:29 PM
To: TSR

Subject: RE: TIME to break silence ...

Dear TSR,

I hope that you are sincere this time unlike the September 27th
commitment. I am not fighting against your personality but against
your actions and decisions.

Before you have used the word disqualify, you should have check the issues -


1. Who will set guidelines for validating the voters? EC or NC or GBM?
How do we protect the interests of everyone instead of current EC
committee members who are contesting in the election?

2. Online registrations don't have signatures? What are you going to
compare them with?

3. Many people didn't sign the forms. What are you going to compare them with?

4. Sponsors were made members/life members. What signature is going to
be used for?

5. 6 people paid 250 memberships for others on their credit cards.
What is their stake in TAMA?

6. Many of the Life Members don't have phone numbers, email addresses
and current address. Would you disqualify them?


Regards,
Chand



________________________________________

From: TSR
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:58 PM
To: Chand
Cc:
Subject: Re: TIME to break silence ...

Dear Chand,
I agree with you and WHO will decide? That was the reason why I
requested EC to let their opinion. Once we get their input, let
nominating committee and parliamentarian frame the rules. If you feel
still it is complicated, let the judge decide. However, please let the
secretary respond to my emails.

Thank you,
TSR

________________________________________

From: Chand
Date: Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Subject: RE: TIME to break silence ...
To: TSR
Cc:


Dear TSR,

Whatever were your original intentions, I am glad that you are open
for discussions. But again, it appears that EC, NC and Parliamentarian
will decide the rules.

What about Members, Life Members and other contestants? Please include
representatives from those groups.

What is the reason/justfication for setting a new rule this year?

We have been allowing members to vote with a valid ID. American Voting
system doesn't require a signature.

Please give it a thought.

Thanks,

Chand
________________________________________

తామా వద్దు ISHA ముద్దు...

Dear EC and All,
Like Ravi garu mentioned, past presidents and well wishers of
TAMA are not silent. Many responded one-on-one directly to the EC
memembers or others involved in the issue, instead of broadcasting to
all.
I never broadcast a message to every one, if I intend to express my
opinion that would constructively criticize the person for realizing
his/her mistake and rectifying it. Some one advised me to criticize
constructively any one privately, and encourage/recognise/praise in
public. If private citicism is not strong enough, bring it to the
common ground. In this particular case, our current president did not
listen to the advices from past presidents and hence the court had to
tell him to follow the directions. I am glad that Chand has stepped up
to the plate to rectify it.

PS: To all PAST presidents and EC members: When it comes to electing
TAMA committee, I feel if we follow some of these steps, it would
bring harmony in the community:

1. Team Formation: Unfoturnately, we are coming up with the concept of teaming.
If some one is interested in contesting as president or any EC
position, he/she should
come forward individually. However he/she should not look for
forming his/her own team.

The moment we form teams, there is no way to ask fora vote by not
dividing the
community based caste, region, or profession, etc. Instead of
campaigning on his/her
service ideas, one starts through mud on others.

2. Realistically, if some one wants to contribute to the community,
there is so much work,
and we will not have time to involve in politics.
The moment any contestant notices that he/she willl have to spend
more time in political
issues, rather than community service, he/she will/should back off
and support other person.
Instead he/she jumps into to action of fighting, he/she is no
different from other person.
True fighting should come, when one or few community members are dragging the
organization down or two mature and able candidates beyond anger,
ego, etc., however, with
different approaches in serving the community. This is very rate.

PS: Chand, I support your current fight through the court, and it is
needed to rectify the
current issue, though I disagree several other issues you fought in the past.

3. None of the past presidents either directly or indirectly involve
in joining 100s of members
for voting purpose few weeks before the deadline. I am sure every
one involving in such
act justifies it with convincing arguments. However, it disrupts
communinal harmony.

4. None of the past presidents either directly or indirectly campaign
for any person, even if
there are elections. If the amount of energy spent on
electioneering is spent on real service,
many people's lives can be touched.

I have been following these steps all the time. I enjoy volunteering.

I hope during the coming weeks, let us ensure that we do not repeat
what has happend in the past.

One thing I learned from ISHA is about volunteering. There may be more
than 250,000 volunteers worldwide and there is no designation for any
one. When you are performing service in ISHA, there is NO conflict at
all, and every one is so accommodative and ready to step aside from
your path or join you if needed, without uttering a word. I have not
seen any one getting mad and arguing in Isha volunteering during last
7 years. Next is VIBHA, in that category. TAMA is extremely great
organization and much lies on the past presidents, how we conduct
ourselves in guiding the future committees.