Gokul chairman post: Singhvi, Rohatgi argue for and against state ordinance in High Court

The question of who will become chairman of the Gokul milk union in Kolhapur has heated up the city's politics. In the union's election, the Samvichari alliance won 13 of 25 seats, while the Mahayuti had to settle for 12. A hitch arose over the quorum at the time of electing the chairman. The state government then issued an ordinance to appoint government-nominated directors. That decision has now been challenged in court.

On 9 November, the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court heard three petitions related to Gokul. Arguments by some of the country's well-known lawyers were heard. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Samvichari alliance, strongly objected to the government's ordinance. Mukul Rohatgi presented the government's side.

Singhvi argued that the chairman's election should be held in the old manner. He said the government could not bring an ordinance merely to change the arithmetic of the majority. He also asked what the need was to issue an ordinance in haste on the basis of the position of a single institution. Singhvi said the government's decision was strangling democracy, and cited several court judgments in support.

Another petitioner, Ashutosh Kumbhkoni, demanded that the four government-nominated directors not be given the right to vote.

On the other side, Rohatgi claimed the government's ordinance was legal. He said the government gives grants of crores of rupees, so government directors are necessary to see whether that money is being used properly. Rohatgi also asked why, when nominated members can vote in the Rajya Sabha, members appointed by the government in cooperative institutions should not have the right to vote. He asked the court to dismiss the petitions.

Singhvi then again questioned the ordinance and alleged that it was issued for Gokul alone. The court's next decision is therefore seen as important.

Meanwhile, a protest march was taken out in Kolhapur against the government's decision, led by Satej Patil. A buffalo with a placard around its neck reading "Make me an approved director too" became a particular talking point at the march.

All eyes are now on the chairman election meeting on 10 November. The questions are whether the government-nominated directors will be able to vote and who will take control of Gokul. All of Maharashtra is watching.