SGCCI Election Row: Candidate Raises 33 Questions, Leadership Silent

Surat | Gujarat — A storm of controversy has erupted ahead of the Managing Committee elections of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with serious allegations of non-transparency and maladministration dominating the campaign. What was expected to be a routine election has now turned into a high-voltage contest marked by unanswered questions and rising tensions within the business community.

Candidate Sanjay Ezhava, a long-time life member of the Chamber, has publicly released 33 key questions out of a list of 48 that he says have gone unanswered for years. The questions, now circulated among more than 15,000 Chamber members, have triggered intense debate about governance and accountability in one of South Gujarat’s most influential business bodies.

Ezhava claims he repeatedly submitted written representations seeking clarity on financial decisions, trust operations, foreign trips, and property-related matters, but received no official response. “Members deserve transparency. If questions raised by life members remain unanswered for years, it raises serious concerns about governance,” he said during his election campaign.

Among the most contentious issues are queries related to properties developed at the Sarsana Exhibition Centre, including why government records have allegedly not been updated for 15 years and why required approvals were not obtained before constructing the six-storey e-building. Questions have also been raised about pricing decisions, alleged cash transactions, and the absence of age limits for life trustees and directors.

The controversy deepens with queries regarding the rental of the Sarsana Dome to a private organisation for Navratri and allegations of preferential allocation to a political party despite the Chamber’s non-political status. “Members want to know the terms of the tender and why such decisions were taken,” Ezhava said.

Financial transparency has emerged as another flashpoint. Questions have been raised about an overseas exhibition in the United States, including details of Rs 1.80 crore spent and the reasons behind the event’s cancellation. Ezhava has also demanded disclosure of expenses related to foreign trips, election spending, and AGM expenditure recorded at over Rs 11 lakh.

One issue that has particularly drawn criticism is the Chamber’s General Meeting on April 11, 2026, which allegedly concluded within a minute. “How can a General Meeting end in just one minute? Members deserve proper discussions and answers,” he said.

The Vishwas Panel, led by Ezhava along with architect Rakesh Kabaria and export-import consultant Syed Rafiq H. Qadri, is contesting the elections for the fifth time and is positioning itself as a challenger to the ruling panel’s 44 candidates. Their campaign has focused heavily on transparency, governance reforms, and member participation.

Despite the growing controversy, the Chamber leadership has not issued an official response to the questions raised, further fuelling debate among members.

With voting approaching, the election has evolved into a referendum on accountability and trust. For thousands of members, the outcome may shape the future direction and credibility of one of the region’s most influential industry bodies.