BJP-led alliance closes ranks as battle intensifies for control of Kolhapur’s powerful cooperative milk union
Even as tensions continue within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance over Legislative Council elections, the coalition partners have set aside their differences to jointly contest the elections to Gokul, Maharashtra’s largest cooperative milk union and one of the most influential institutions in the state’s dairy sector.
The upcoming election to the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, popularly known as Gokul, has become politically significant due to intense infighting, court intervention, and the appointment of an administrator after the previous board’s tenure expired.
Gokul Remains a Key Force in Maharashtra Dairy Sector
Established on March 16, 1963, Gokul has evolved into one of Maharashtra’s most influential dairy cooperatives with a strong presence in milk procurement, dairy processing, breeding programmes, animal healthcare and dairy product marketing.
For the financial year 2024-25, Gokul recorded a turnover of Rs 3,966.28 crore. The cooperative is connected with nearly 4.41 lakh milk producers across Kolhapur district and neighbouring regions. Milk procurement is managed through 8,009 village-level dairy societies spread across 1,810 villages.
Political observers believe Gokul’s influence extends far beyond the dairy business because of its deep connection with rural households and milk producers.
Senior journalist and political commentator Vasant Bhosle noted that the cooperative plays a major role in sustaining rural livelihoods in western Maharashtra.
“Gokul is linked to the daily life of milk producers, the majority of whom are marginal farmers. Women are emotionally linked to Gokul as dairy payments are directly transferred into their bank accounts. It contributes significantly to economic stability and lower migration in the Kolhapur region,” he said.
Mahayuti Forms Joint Front for Gokul Polls
In a major political development, leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance announced the formation of the ‘Chhatrapati Shahu Shetkari Vikas Aghadi’ to contest the Gokul elections together.
The decision was finalised during a meeting held at the Residency Club in Kolhapur in the presence of Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil. Discussions reportedly focused on seat-sharing arrangements and mobilisation of member resolutions required for the election process.
Several prominent leaders, including Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik, MLA Amal Mahadik, Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar and Jan Surajya MLA Vinay Kore, attended the meeting.
Political analysts believe Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally intervened to ensure unity within the alliance, recognising the strategic importance of Gokul in western Maharashtra politics.
Satej Patil Prepares Solo Challenge
The Mahayuti alliance is expected to face a direct challenge from former Congress minister and MLC Satej Patil, who has chosen to contest independently.
Patil dismissed concerns over facing the combined strength of the ruling alliance and claimed voters would reject what he described as a forced political arrangement.
According to Patil, his leadership since 2021 has helped increase returns for milk producers and improve the cooperative’s functioning.
Political Realignments Changed Gokul Equations
The political landscape surrounding Gokul changed dramatically after the 2021 elections, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, led by Satej Patil and then-undivided NCP leader Hasan Mushrif, took control of the cooperative, ending a three-decade-long dominance by senior regional leaders.
However, subsequent splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP altered state politics and eventually brought Mushrif closer to the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Although Mushrif initially attempted to maintain cooperative ties with opposition leaders, mounting political pressure gradually shifted the balance of power within Gokul as well.
Court Intervention Delays Election Process
The election process has also faced legal complications after the previous board’s tenure expired, and authorities appointed a five-member administrative panel under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960.
Former directors challenged the move in court, leading to Supreme Court intervention. The apex court later directed that elections be completed within 90 days and asked parties to approach the Bombay High Court’s Kolhapur Circuit Bench regarding disputes related to the appointment of the administrator.
The voter list schedule was officially announced on May 26, marking the beginning of the resolution process at the village dairy society level. The finalisation of voter representatives will continue until July 1.
The outcome of the Gokul elections is expected to significantly influence not only cooperative politics in Maharashtra but also the future direction of one of India’s most important dairy cooperative networks.
