The organisational process to elect new office-bearers for the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA) will commence from April 24 and complete on May 13. The election is going to be held under the supervision of a court appointed advocate commissioner.
Following long standing disputes and feud between two factions of the association, the election of office bearers was delayed for the last six years. On July 25 last year, the High Court of Kerala issued an order directing the advocate commissioner to initiate the election process and complete it within three months time. The commissioner started the process of election in March this year.
A strong group of wholesalers who are the captains of the organisation and trade in the state is the major contestants in the election. Except in three districts, the newly formed retailers’ forum is the main opposite group. The rising of retailers into the election field has forced the two factions in the AKCDA to merge together and contest the election under one banner. The former national leader of the AICDF A N Mohan and his supporter N Sivasankaran have reached an understanding with the official group to contest the election.
The members will elect 395 executive committee members from all the districts. According to information received, 209 members have been elected unopposed already. So election will be held for the remaining 186 posts only. The members who were elected without opposite candidates in the fray are from Malappuram, Kottayam and Wynadu districts. The new executive committee members will elect the members of the general council which consist of 200 members. The organisation has a total of 227 units functioning in all the 14 districts of the state.
Whereas, former general secretary of AKCDA Antony Tharian faces strong opposition from the retailers’ forum in Eranakulam north zone.
On completion of the election of executive members by May 13, election for district and state leaders will be held. The whole process will be completed by the end of May. Antony Tharian said once a new body comes to power, all the disputes in the organisation will be blown off.
It is expected that after a period of six years, the AKCDA will get a new body of office-bearers. The association has been controlling the total trade issues and activities in the state.