KARACHI, Oct 17: Two powerful textile business families are set on the warpath on the issue of elections of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association as Shahid Anwar Tata declared defeated as chairman in October 11 polls has come out with allegations of serious irregularities.

In a photo finish polling, young Shahid Anwar Tata lost to Waqar Monnoo by only two votes and he alleged that at least four of his supporters were not allowed to vote on October 11 because of failing to conform to the election rules. But same rules, he said, were totally disregarded when a few voters who were identified with the winning candidate had been allowed to vote.

The basis on which voters were not allowed to cast their votes was failure to make payment of Aptma dues within the stipulated date and inability to nominate for voting in place of chief executive. A few members who had to travel from zone of their mills to other zone were also not allowed to vote.

Waqar Monnoo, who was declared elected chairman of Aptma, told Dawn that the elections were held according to the rules. Those who were not allowed to cast their votes were more than four. He contended that the polling was secret and nobody could say who voted for whom. Then there were polling agents of the two candidates at each of the polling zones and their consent was obtained in case where there were doubts on payment of Aptma dues or other instances.

He said the returning officer for the elections was proposed by the managing committee and he would take decision on the irregularities pointed out by his rival candidate.

For the last several years, the elections in Aptma were a tame affair for the seniors and elders in the spinning sector. The chairman and members of the managing committee were elected with consensus and there was never any occasion for polling.

This year, Mr Tata announced his candidature. It brought into action all the seniors and elders of the industry who managed to bring about some initial reconciliation. Under an arrangement withdrawals were obtained from all the candidates who filed nomination. The arrangement did not work and soon litigation followed which finally led to the polling on October 11. The results of this elections are now being questioned and Tatas now wait for a verdict from the returning officer. Their next option is to seek redressal from the tribunal of the apex trade body, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which is headed by Riaz Tata. Tatas have option to seek redressal from the Director of Trade Organizations (DTO), a bureaucrat in the Ministry of Commerce and finally they may approach the superior courts.

Aptma is already in crisis because of reports of pest infestation on the cotton crop. The association is holding a general meeting at Lahore on Saturday to discuss the situation arising out of the reports of pest infestation and escalation of cotton prices.