BJP MLA Demands ED Investigation into Gokul Dairy Irregularities
In a significant development in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, BJP associate MLA from Chandgad, Shivaji Patil, has leveled serious allegations of irregularities in the Kolhapur Jilha Dudh Utpadak Sangh, widely known as Gokul Dairy. Patil has claimed that these irregularities have occurred with the support of a powerful minister, indirectly hinting at NCP leader Hasan Mushrif.
Allegations of Rule Violations in Milk Collection Centers
Patil has accused that more than 3,000 milk collection centers were registered in violation of state government regulations. Each of these centers sends a representative to cast votes for electing the dairy's directors, making control of Gokul Dairy crucial as it directly impacts approximately 5 lakh milk-supplying families. The dairy's elections are scheduled to take place soon.
"I am going to demand an ED inquiry into irregularities that have taken place with the blessings of a big minister," declared Patil. "I am going to seek the abolishment of the directors' body and the placement of an independent administrator to run the dairy. Even though we are in Mahayuti, we will not tolerate corrupt practices taking place in the dairy."
Political Control and Dynastic Concerns
The MLA expressed concern that with a large number of ineligible milk collection societies allegedly registered through political influence, the dairy could fall into the hands of a few political dynasties. Currently, Mushrif's son Naved serves as the chairman of Gokul Dairy, adding to the political dimensions of the controversy.
Patil plans to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally request an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged irregularities.
Minister Mushrif Refutes Allegations
Hasan Mushrif has strongly refuted the allegations, claiming that Patil is unfamiliar with the registration process. In a written statement, Mushrif expressed shock at the accusations and revealed that they had previously discussed the Gokul election twice.
"I was shocked by MLA Patil's accusations. We had discussions twice over the Gokul election. After that, I don't know why he has made the accusations," stated Mushrif. "His statements feel like someone is wrongly prompting him. The registration of 1,200 societies is in dispute, and the number he is talking about is totally misleading."
Congress MLC Adds Political Dimension
Meanwhile, Congress MLC Satej Patil has commented on the situation, noting that while Mushrif claims power in the dairy now belongs to Mahayuti, his son Naved was elected chairman when the 'Shiv Shahu Aghadi' was in control.
"We have seen in the Satara ZP election how Mahayuti netas were treated. Everywhere, Shiv Sena and NCP have become helpless in front of BJP," observed Satej Patil. "The dispute is between Mahayuti partners; they should resolve it. But I want to ask MLA Patil not to politicise Gokul—it belongs to the farmers. We had ensured to keep party politics aside. I want to ask minister Mushrif in private about what is happening between Mahayuti partners."
The controversy surrounding Gokul Dairy highlights the complex political dynamics within Maharashtra's ruling coalition and raises important questions about governance in agricultural cooperatives that directly affect hundreds of thousands of farming families.
