Kolhapur. Thousands of farmers took to the streets in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, against the decision to give voting rights to government-nominated directors on the board of the Gokul Milk Union. On Monday, November 9, farmers and opposition leaders marched with livestock from Dussehra Chowk to the district collectorate. The protesters called the state government’s decision an interference in the democratic rights of the cooperative institution and demanded that it be withdrawn.
Four nominated directors get voting rights: The dispute began with an ordinance issued by the Maharashtra government, under which there is a provision to nominate five government representatives to the boards of large cooperative institutions with an annual turnover of more than Rs 500 crore. Of these, four directors have been given voting rights. The Gokul Milk Union also comes under the scope of this provision.
Row escalates after election results: In the Gokul board election held on October 19, the panel led by Congress Legislative Council member Satej Patil won 13 of the 25 seats, while the Mahayuti-backed panel got 12 seats. Opposition leaders allege that by giving voting rights to nominated directors after the election, the government is trying to change the balance of power on the board. They say this will affect the mandate of lakhs of milk-producing farmers.
High Court does not stay ordinance: In the matter, the Bombay High Court on November 9 refused to grant an interim stay on the ordinance. The court allowed the four nominated directors to vote in the chairperson’s election to be held on November 10, but directed that their votes be kept in a separate ballot box and that the entire process be videographed. The next hearing in the case will be held on November 25.
Farmers demand withdrawal: Several public representatives, including Satej Patil, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil and farmer leader Raju Shetti, joined the protest. Farmers warned that government interference in the functioning of a cooperative institution like Gokul would not be accepted. They said the institution should be run in line with the interests of milk-producing farmers and the decisions of their elected representatives.
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