Dear Young Members,
It is with a sense of urgency and responsibility that I address this
matter regarding the grave threats posed to the integrity of our
temple, a cherished public institution. Anti-social elements are
systematically working to take complete control of the temple, using
deceitful tactics and violating temple laws and democratic principles.
The Current Situation
In the first phase of their scheme, these individuals have manipulated
the membership process to include individuals who are aligned with
their interests. This has been facilitated through dubious financial
practices, such as offering a $1,200 allowance to secure loyalty.
Moreover, they have circumvented established procedures by awarding
works without issuing public tenders, raising significant concerns
about transparency and accountability.

Violation of Temple Laws
The administration has prepared and passed amendments to the temple’s
bylaws in a manner that flagrantly violates the established rules:
1. Failure to Notify Members: According to temple regulations, any
proposed amendment must be communicated to all members at least 60
days prior to the meeting. This requirement was completely ignored.
2. Deceptive Practices: The administration falsely claims that the
amendment was passed with the support of 50 members, while
deliberately concealing this matter from the remaining 1,150 members.
3. Invalid Amendments: Due to the lack of proper notification and
member consultation, these amendments are invalid and lack legal
standing.

Fraudulent Election Practices:
The administration’s misconduct extends to the electoral process. The
2020, 2021, and 2022 elections were all conducted online under
questionable circumstances:

1. 2020 Election:
• Held during the pandemic under special permissions.
• Despite initially opposing online elections, today’s administrators
used this method to secure a decisive victory.
• Allegations of electoral fraud were raised, but the administration
failed to investigate or take corrective measures.
2. 2021 Election:
• The administration purchased software to conduct the election online
without proper transparency.
• Members requested an in-person election as mandated by temple law,
but these requests were ignored.
• The election was conducted without any observer or voter
identification, allowing administrators to manipulate the voting
process.
• Evidence suggests undue interference by the administrators with the
Election Officer.
3. 2023 Election:
• The administration again sought to hold an online election, leading
rival candidates to withdraw in protest.
• Despite a petition from 103 members to ensure a fair and legal
election process, the administration rejected the request, further
demonstrating its disregard for democratic principles.

The Role of Youth in Safeguarding the Temple

This temple belongs to the community, and it is your responsibility as
young members to protect it from exploitation. The actions of the
current administration threaten the sanctity of the temple,
undermining its purpose as a public institution. We cannot allow
individuals who are determined to carry out fraudulent elections and
disregard the rights of members to remain in positions of authority.

Key Questions to Consider

• Should those who blatantly violate temple laws and democratic
principles continue to hold office?
• Should we accept the manipulation of the electoral process, where
administrators can cast votes on behalf of others without proper
oversight?
• Can we trust an administration that rejects legitimate requests for
transparency and fairness from over 100 members?

Call to Action

The time has come to demand accountability and restore justice to our
temple. This requires collective action to:

1. Challenge Illegal Amendments: Advocate for the invalidation of all
amendments passed without proper member notification and approval.
2. Demand Free and Fair Elections: Insist on in-person elections
conducted under the supervision of impartial observers, with proper
voter identification to ensure transparency.
3. Investigate Allegations of Fraud: Push for a thorough investigation
into allegations of electoral malpractice and administrative
misconduct.
4. Protect the Rights of Women and Members: Ensure that the voices and
rights of all members, including women, are respected in temple
affairs.

The temple’s future depends on the courage and commitment of its
members, especially the youth, to stand against these injustices.
Together, we can oust the current administration and restore the
temple to its rightful purpose as a place of worship, community, and
cultural preservation.

Yours sincerely,
On behalf of dedicated volunteers of Richmond Hill Hindu Temple.