Rajesh Patil elected Gokul Milk Union chairman, beating Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar 16 votes to 13

The election for the chairman's post of the Gokul Milk Union, which holds particular importance in Kolkapur's cooperative sector, has finally concluded. The post had been the subject of a tussle for the past few days. That has now ended, and the Mahayuti has won the contest. Rajesh Patil, a former MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party, has been elected chairman of Gokul.

Rajesh Patil's rival was Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar, the candidate of the alliance led by Satej Patil. Patil defeated Chuyekar by 16 votes to 13. After the election he gave his first reaction and spoke about the direction the work will take.

On taking charge as chairman, Rajesh Patil first thanked the milk-producing farmers and those who voted. He said he would try to take everyone along in Gokul's functioning.

He said, "First of all, I thank all the milk-producing farmers and the voters. I have been entrusted with the responsibility of the milk union. I will work in the interest of everyone. I will try to enhance the pride of Gokul. I will make the right plan to make up the loss incurred over the past year."

Patil said there had certainly been political conflict during the election, but it should now be put aside. He also said the election process was completed only after the court's order. He also appealed to the directors who had opposed him in the election to now come together in the interest of milk producers.

He said, "What is done is done, let us forget it. For the next five years, keep the rest of politics aside and work together in unity. Let everyone work together to take decisions in the interest of milk-producing farmers." This was the hope he expressed.

Another notable aspect of this election is that, after a full 63 years, an area like Chandgad has got the chairman's post of Gokul. For this reason, the result is being seen not merely as a political victory but also as an important event for Chandgad.

On one side, the Mahayuti has won this fight for power in Gokul. On the other, the new chairman faces the big challenge of making up the union's loss and retaining the trust of milk producers. The cooperative sector is now watching how Rajesh Patil acts on his announcements.