The Milking of Local Politics

What happened at the election of the chairperson of Kolhapur District Milk Producers Federation, popularly known by its milk brand, Gokul, has grabbed attention in political circles.

- SHAILESH GAIKWAD

The federation is a major cooperative of milk producer farmers in Kolhapur district of western Maharashtra, with an annual turnover of over ₹3,000 crore.

The control over Gokul comes with significant political influence in the region. For two decades, it was controlled by local political heavyweight Mahadev Mahadik. His son Dhananjay is BJP Rajya Sabha MP and another son Amal is an BJP MLA. The anti-Mahadik front of local politicians, comprising mainly of Congress leader Satej Patil and NCP minister Hasan Mushrif, wrested power from him four years ago.

The election for Gokul's chairperson was due again and Mahayuti leaders at the instance of Mahadiks used their influence to get a pro-Mahayuti candidate elected at the helm. The outgoing chairman Arun Dengle rallied his strength behind Shiv Sena. The leaders of the front sprang a surprise by getting Mushrif's son Navid elected unopposed for the post.

Though Mushrif is now with Mahayuti, Patil's aides say he chose to throw his weight behind Mushrif's son to keep the Mahadiks away from the control of Gokul.