Labour pays tribute to Anand Babla

[posted 23 Dec 2008,1100]

The Fiji Labour Party is deeply saddened by the death of its former FLP Member of Parliament and long serving Party activist, Anand Babla of Tavua.

Babla, 54, passed away in Chennai, India at 2pm yesterday (Monday Fiji Time) while under going medical treatment.

A successful canefarmer and social worker, Babla was Member for the Tavua Indian Communal Constituency since 1992. He was secretary of the Tavua Branch of the FLP and the National Farmers Union, and manager of the Balata primary and high schools in Tavua.

“Anand was pretty much a grassroots person – very well respected and liked in his community,” said FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.

“It is proof of his tremendous popularity, that Anand Babla retained his parliamentary seat in five successive general elections, always winning with a landslide majority,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He served his constituency with commitment and sincerity, spearheading numerous community and rural development projects for roads, water and electricity, and upgrading and maintenance of the Tavua hospital.

A dedicated Party activist, Babla worked tirelessly to promote the cause of farmers and the ordinary people. He himself was a very successful farmer.

“Anand will be deeply missed by both the Fiji Labour Party and the National Farmers Union,” said Mr Chaudhry. A condolence gathering in his honour will be held at Tavua on Saturday, 27th December.

Anand Babla is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.