Edison(NJ): The outgoing Mayor of Edison, Mr. Jun Choi showered his blessings on Indian entrepreneur, Mr. Satish Mehtani by naming a road as `Mehtani Way’. The road starting from off Oak Tree Road traffic signal and going all the way upto Mogul restaurant passing the Big Cinema has been renamed.

What has surprised many in the Indian community is the fact that the entire event was done  to shower favor on the Mehtani’s who own the Mogul  and other chain of restaurants in the region.

When probed further on the issue as to what were the guidelines to naming the streets, the outgoing Mayor told this correspondent that “ usually the decision is taken by the Veterans Committee, and the roads are named after Veterans “. When asked further as to in which way was Mr. Mehtani a veteran, the Mayor defended himself said “ in this case the decision  was taken looking to Mr. Mehtani’s contribution to the Indian community.”However, Mr. Mehtani’s contribution to the Indian community is debatable.    

The issue was also taken up with the new Republican Mayor of Edison Ms. Antonio `Toni’ Ricigliano who declined to comment on the issue.

Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad, councilman for Edison when contacted said “ I am not aware of the issue and nor was I familiar with the subject of naming the roads as some roads were county roads, some state roads and some federal.” He however clarified that the entire issue of naming the road as `Mehtani Way’ was not on the agenda of the council and it was not discussed”.

So the question arises as to how the outgoing Mayor Mr. Choi chose to shower such praise on the business entrepreneur. What is even more surprising is the fact that Mr. Mehtani does not even live in Edison township. He surely has business interest in Edison and ofcourse Oak Tree Road. So merely on this can the outgoing Mayor take such a decision?

Speaking at the event Mayor Choi paid rich tributes to the Indian community. He said, “I am extremely happy to bestow this ceremonial honor, usually reserved for war veterans, to a successful entrepreneur belonging to the  Indian American community, who has enriched the culture of Edison.”

Later taking to this correspondent, the outgoing Mayor when asked what was on his agenda after leaving office, Mr. Choi said, “I will be teaching at the Rutgers University and ofcourse raise a family”.

Besides the Mehtani’s and his hotel staff, others who attended the event Mr. Yash Pal Soi former president of the Federation of Indian  Associations (FIA) and others.

“Satish Mehtani and his wife Sneh has been visible figures in Edison\'s elite social circles”, commented l Soi, adding that the “ couple for their untiring efforts to help the community progress in USA”.

Raymond Smutko, Managing Partner of OTR Associates, property owners of Oak Tree Center, also praised the Mehtanis on their accomplishments.

Replying to the honor, Satish Mehtani said, “We are thankful to this country and our community for offering me opportunities to succeed in life. We try our best to give back whatever way we can.”