Gokul chairman poll: Mahayuti settles power-sharing formula, Ranjit Patil's name leads

The election for chairman of the Gokul milk union, which holds an important place in Kolhapur's politics and dairy business, is being watched across the district. The key process for the post is under way today. It is learnt that the ruling Mahayuti has decided on its candidate.

Ranjit Patil, son of former Nationalist Congress Party MLA K. P. Patil, is described as the front-runner for the post. Sources also say the Mahayuti has settled a power-sharing formula for the coming term.

The election of the chairman of the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, or Gokul, has become politically very sensitive. A tight contest is visible between the Mahayuti and the like-minded alliance led by Congress leader Satej Patil for control of the union. The side the chairman comes from will clarify Gokul's political equations ahead.

In the election to the 25 seats of the board of directors, the like-minded alliance won 13 seats, while the Mahayuti had to settle for 12. Voters had thus given their verdict in favour of the like-minded alliance. However, the state government is reported to have appointed 4 nominated members to the board and given them the right to vote. This has changed the equations, and there is now apprehension that the like-minded alliance may stay out of power despite its majority.

A key meeting of senior leaders is said to be taking place on who should get the chairmanship in the Mahayuti. It is reported that at this meeting the power-sharing formula was fixed on the basis of a one-and-a-quarter-year term for the chairman.

Under the formula under discussion, the chairmanship may go to the Nationalist Congress Party in the first year, the BJP in the second year, the Shiv Sena in the third year and the Jansurajya Shakti Party for the rest of the term. The formula is believed to be an effort to maintain coordination among the Mahayuti's constituents. However, an official announcement on the division will be important.

Several names are being discussed for candidature in the Mahayuti. If the first chairmanship goes to the Nationalist Congress Party, either former MLA Ranjit Patil or former MLA Rajesh Patil may get the chance. If the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena gets the post, Ajit Narke's name could come up. If the BJP gets the first term, Dr Chetan Narke's name is being discussed.

On Monday, the like-minded alliance held a march from Dussehra Chowk to the District Collector's office against the decision to give voting rights to the state government's nominated directors. The alliance alleged that the decision was a betrayal of Kolhapur's farmers and shareholders.

Earlier, only the alliance's 13 directors were present at the board meeting. The required quorum of 14 directors could not be met, so returning officer Mausami Chaugule adjourned the meeting. The important meeting is being held again today under her chairmanship. Anticipating tension, the administration has deployed 600 police personnel in the area.