The eastern regional chapter of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India — the apex body of hotels and restaurants — is set to hold a meeting of its members in the wake of the rejection of its nominee as president at the annual general meeting of the association.

The industry body has four regional chapters — east, west, north and south — with the president selected from one region every year by rotation.

According to the members of the association, it was the turn of the eastern region, and Sudesh Poddar was nominated as the presidential candidate from the region. According to precedent, the nomination sent by the regional association is accepted by the executive committee after the AGM of the association.

However, in a meeting chaired by Garish Oberoi, the immediate past president of the association, Poddar’s unanimous selection from the eastern region was rejected. At least three members from the region were offered the post, but all turned it down, following which Gurbaxish Singh Kohli from Mumbai and the vice-president of the association was selected as the interim president.

“Clearly it was the turn of the eastern region. However, it was turned down. We will hold a meeting shortly to decide what course of action can be taken,” said Pranav Singh, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India.

Members of the eastern chapter said the problems started after the members of the other three regions teamed up to reject the nomination of Poddar.

“I had asked on what ground my nomination was rejected. But there was no explanation,” said Poddar.

When asked about the grounds of rejection, Oberoi said Poddar’s selection was not acceptable to the majority of the members of the association. He said efforts were made to select other members from the region, but that remained unsuccessful.

“We have requested the eastern region to provide a nomination and if it is acceptable to the majority of the members, that person will be selected,” said Oberoi.