Karnataka's Political Rivalry Intensifies in Cooperative Sector
The ongoing power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now extended beyond the corridors of state politics into the influential cooperative sector of Karnataka. This conflict centers on two crucial positions: the presidency of the Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank and the chairmanship of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).
Election Delays and Political Maneuvering
Elections for both these significant posts have been postponed indefinitely due to a combination of political disagreements and procedural complications. Originally scheduled for January 29, the apex bank election remains in limbo, while the KMF election is tentatively set for March 6, though this date remains uncertain amid the ongoing political friction.
Shivakumar's camp is actively supporting his nephew, MLC S Ravi, for the apex bank presidency and his brother DK Suresh for the KMF chairman position. In contrast, Siddaramaiah's faction is backing former cooperation minister KN Rajanna for the bank post and Koppal MLA Raghavendra Hitnal for the milk federation leadership.
Internal Congress Dissent and High Command Intervention
The lack of consensus between these two powerful leaders has created significant tension within the Congress party. A section of Congress legislators is urging Siddaramaiah to expedite the election process, arguing that the party's substantial majority presents a clear opportunity for victory that is being squandered due to internal politics.
Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna, son of KN Rajanna, expressed frustration at the situation, stating, "It is unfortunate that people are indulging in politics within the cooperative sector, which is fundamentally designed for the welfare of rural communities. With Congress enjoying a huge majority, we have a clear chance of winning the apex bank election, but it has been stalled for political reasons. Invisible hands are at play."
Sources reveal that AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who oversees Karnataka affairs, opposes Rajanna's candidacy due to the former minister's past criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the 'vote chori' campaign. This criticism reportedly cost Rajanna his cabinet position in August last year, and he now seeks to regain political influence through the apex bank presidency, a position he previously held between 2001 and 2005.
With the party high command refusing to compromise on this matter, Siddaramaiah is said to have orchestrated the postponement of the apex bank election. The bank's board consists of presidents from 21 district cooperative central banks (DCCBs), who collectively elect the president. Currently, Congress holds 18 director positions, while BJP and JD(S) have two and one respectively, with the election for the Kolar-Chikkaballapur DCCB still pending.
Significance of Karnataka's Cooperative Sector
The cooperative sector holds substantial political importance in Karnataka, boasting a cumulative membership of approximately two crore individuals. More than 5,000 primary agricultural credit cooperative societies (PACS) operate under DCCBs, providing loans worth about Rs 25,000 crore annually to rural borrowers. This extensive network has served as a foundation for numerous politicians, including the Jarkiholi brothers, Katti brothers, GT Deve Gowda, and Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who built their influence through cooperative structures.
KMF represents another powerful cooperative entity, with about 25 lakh milk producers registered across 16 milk unions. Regarding the KMF chairman position, DK Suresh stated, "I am not hankering for the KMF chairman post. It is up to the party leadership and the government to decide on it. I will abide by their decision."
Meanwhile, S Ravi emphasized the importance of timely elections, saying, "It is a great opportunity to serve rural masses, so the election must be held without further delay."
This extension of political rivalry into the cooperative sector highlights the deepening divisions within Karnataka's ruling party and raises questions about governance priorities in critical rural development institutions.
