A war of words between the bosses of Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) and Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) has sparked controversy in the diamond industry, according to a news story in the 'Times of India' (TOI).
As per the report, SDB had written to its members earlier, who are currently operating from BDB, to shift operations to Surat. Objecting to the move, BDB wrote to directors and committee members of SDB.
The SDB chairman Vallabh Patel recently wrote to the BDB chairman asking him not to attempt to divide the SDB committee members. The latest letter by Patel is likely to add fuel to the already raging controversy.
Both bodies are trying to keep their members in their premises considering the importance of the gem and jewellery sector.
Meanwhile, following the recent endorsement of SDB by Prime Minister Narendra Modi the diamond industry is already upbeat about the prospects of the project.
“BDB wrote letters individually to each committee member. They should have communicated with the chairman,” Vallabh Patel told TOI.
In his letter, Patel wrote, “ The letters written to SDB committee members, office bearers and directors are an attempt to divide them and develop disputes among them. All decisions taken in SDB are reached after taking everyone in confidence. We want to inform you clearly that irresponsible communication by organizations like BDB is reprehensible.”
As per the TOI report, Anoop Mehta, president of BDB, told TOI over the phone: “I am out of the country currently and I am not aware of what has been written by the SDB chairman. But we have objected to SDB’s attempt to push our members to close their operations in BDB.”
“We told SDB that they can invite our members. We, in fact, supported SDB by providing our constitution. It is ultimately business. Those in business are free to choose what is the best option for them,” added Mehta.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
