Oct 25, 2023 I submitted my nomination for Religious Education Chair via email for the Nov 12, 2023 EC elections. Late night, Nov 9 Mr Deepak Dixit called me to check if I would withdraw my nomination. Per him, two nominations for one position would incur costs of creating and printing a ballot etc. He had spoken to the other candidate who is willing to withdraw her candidature. I confirmed my commitment to continue. He then questioned about time commitments. I confirmed I commitment to one monthly EC meeting (at the temple), and previously scheduled and communicated demands. I could absorb some meetings, but cannot be at the ECs beck and call indiscriminately. Call ended with my confirmation to continue with my nomination. Next morning I received several calls and texts from Mr Vinod saying he wanted to connect regarding upcoming elections. We had a repeat of the same coercive conversation I had with Mr Dixit just a day before. I remember telling him that I don't understand the need for your call when I just confirmed my intent to Mr Dixit yesterday. I don't know MR Dixit or Mr Vinod pers onally, have never crossed paths with them either before or since. But I recall distinctly that these interactions left me with the strong feeling that I was not wanted on the EC. I felt coerced. Finally, not wanting to be caught in t he middle of an obvious battle, I withdrew my submission on Nov 11. Mr Vinod texted me over WhattsApp saying he was getting on a flight to India so was unable to give me a call personally. But he is very interested in keeping me engaged because he sees a lot of value in my caliber to help the temple generate membership. He said he will have Mr Ganesh reach out to me. To this day I never heard again from any of them again. It is clear to me getting me to withdraw was the only objective of this entire interaction. I recently heard that Mr Dixit categorically stated that I withdrew because I was not willing to spend the demanded time. That is a gross misrepresentation of facts and falsification of what actually happened. It's time we do something about this kind of agenda driven, immoral behaviors that have nothing but personal objectives in mind.