PFA city president quits, questions linger

Animal rights activists in Mumbai are questioning the sudden resignation of Vijay Rangare, the Mumbai president of People For Animals (PFA), led by former union minister Maneka Gandhi, and an honorary animal welfare representative appointed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

- Manoj Ramakrishnan

Rangare, who pursued several animal cruelty cases, including brutality against stray dogs in housing societies, stepped down last week without disclosing specific reasons. In a social media post over the weekend, he directed all PFA-related matters to Maneka Gandhi.

Rangare attributed his resignation to “personal reasons,” stating, “I do not want to give reasons, but there is no conflict between PFA and me. Maneka Gandhi has told me that I can think about my decision and join again.” When contacted, Maneka declined to elaborate, saying, “Why should we give you a reason? What difference does it make?” She noted, however, that the resignation “was not sudden” and had been “going on for some time.” PFA is now searching for a new Mumbai head.