Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the Maharashtra government’s decision to appoint nominated directors to large cooperative institutions, alleging that the move could affect the election mandate at Kolhapur’s Gokul Dairy, according to media reports.
The controversy follows the October 19 election to the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, popularly known as Gokul Dairy. The Congress-backed panel won 13 of the 25 seats, while the ruling Mahayuti alliance secured 12.
Rahul alleged that the government was changing the rules after the election to influence control of the cooperative. He described the move as an attempt to undermine the mandate of milk producers.
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved an amendment allowing the appointment of five government-nominated members to cooperative institutions with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 500 crore, excluding district central cooperative banks. Four nominees will have voting rights, while one will be a non-voting government official.
The state government has said the measure aims to improve transparency, professional management and financial accountability in large cooperative institutions.
Meanwhile, the election of Gokul’s chairman has been delayed due to a lack of quorum at board meetings. The Bombay High Court has directed that a fresh meeting be held on November 10.
The government’s decision has triggered political criticism, with the Opposition raising concerns over the autonomy of cooperative institutions.
Gokul is one of Maharashtra’s major dairy cooperatives, with an annual turnover of nearly Rs 4,000 crore.
