YSRCP Alleges Government Pressure Behind Vijaya Dairy Chairman’s Resignation
The resignation of Chalasani Anjaneyulu as chairman and director of Krishna District Milk Producers Mutually Aided Cooperative Union Limited, popularly known as Vijaya Dairy, has triggered a political controversy in Andhra Pradesh.
The YSRCP has accused the TDP-led coalition government of attempting to weaken the farmer-owned dairy cooperative and alleged that Anjaneyulu was pressured to resign shortly after being elected for a third term.
YSRCP Questions Government Intervention
Former minister Perni Venkatramaiah, popularly known as Perni Nani, questioned the state government’s involvement in the affairs of Vijaya Dairy. He said the cooperative operates under the Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies (MACS) Act and that its representatives are elected by farmers.
Nani alleged that Ministers Kolusu Parthasarathy and Kollu Ravindra intervened after Anjaneyulu’s election and pressured him to step down. YSRCP leaders have questioned why the government became involved after the chairman had already been elected.
Allegations of Pressure on Chairman
According to the YSRCP, Anjaneyulu faced pressure following his election as chairman. Party leaders alleged that the pressure continued after he was admitted to hospital for health reasons.
Nani further alleged that ministers met Anjaneyulu while he was receiving treatment and that he was subsequently made to submit his resignation.
The allegations are part of the opposition party’s criticism of the government’s handling of the cooperative.
Heritage Dairy Allegations
The controversy has also brought Heritage Dairy into the political debate.
The YSRCP has alleged that weakening Vijaya Dairy could create an opportunity for Heritage Dairy to expand its presence in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition has warned against any attempt to push the farmer-owned cooperative into financial difficulties for the benefit of a private dairy company.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Vijaya Dairy’s Role as a Farmer Cooperative
YSRCP leaders have emphasised that Vijaya Dairy is a cooperative institution owned and represented by milk producers. They argue that decisions concerning its leadership should primarily remain within the cooperative’s elected structure.
The dispute has therefore raised broader questions about the relationship between state governments and farmer-owned dairy cooperatives, particularly when political leadership changes within such organisations.
Leadership Change at Vijaya Dairy
Anjaneyulu’s resignation has prompted discussions within the TDP over his successor. Several names have reportedly emerged as potential candidates for the chairman’s position, with the party leadership considering the views of MLAs, party leaders and dairy directors before making a decision.
The leadership change could have implications for the future management of Vijaya Dairy and its relationship with the state government.
Political Debate Continues
The resignation has become another point of political confrontation between the TDP-led coalition and the YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh.
While the YSRCP has alleged political interference and a possible attempt to weaken Vijaya Dairy, the developments remain part of an ongoing political dispute. The appointment of a new chairman and the future direction of the cooperative are likely to remain under scrutiny in the coming days.
