Factional strife within the ruling party highlights growing political influence in India’s dairy co-ops.
In a politically charged election for the Dudhdhara dairy board of directors, the official Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) panel secured a commanding victory, winning 11 of the 15 available seats. The results, however, were not without internal friction. A rival BJP faction, led by sitting Vagra MLA Arunsinh Rana, managed to win two seats, disrupting the party’s ambition for a complete clean sweep. This outcome highlights the increasing politicization of India’s dairy cooperatives, where local power struggles are now playing out on a major stage.
The election, which saw all 296 voters from cooperative societies cast their ballots, was a tightly contested affair. The official panel was headed by Ghanshyam Patel, the dairy’s long-standing chairman of 17 years. His victory, which came despite accusations of corruption and irregularities from the rival camp, solidifies his continued leadership. The close nature of the race was underscored by a tie for one seat, which was ultimately decided by a draw of lots, further emphasizing the fierce competition among the candidates.
The results also revealed a fragmented opposition. In addition to the gains by the rival BJP faction, two seats were won by independent candidates who had the backing of Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) leader Mahesh Vasava. This shows that while the BJP maintained control, the election was not a monolithic victory. The presence of multiple competing groups in the polls reflects the complex political dynamics at play within the Indian dairy sector, where influence and control of key institutions are highly sought after.
Following the announcement, both sides offered contrasting perspectives on the outcome. Chairman Ghanshyam Patel declared the win a clear victory for the BJP and a strong mandate from the voters, dismissing the allegations against his panel as “false.” He promised to continue working with sincerity to advance the dairy. Conversely, Arunsinh Rana, the leader of the rival faction, acknowledged the setback but vowed to continue his fight for the rights of the milk producers, suggesting that the underlying conflicts remain unresolved.
The outcome of the Dudhdhara dairy election is a significant event for the international agribusiness community, as it showcases the powerful intersection of politics and cooperative governance in one of the world’s largest milk-producing nations. The ability of political parties to secure control of a dairy with an annual turnover of around Rs 800 crores demonstrates the importance of these institutions as centers of both economic and political power. It’s a trend that analysts will be watching closely as it continues to shape the future of India’s dairy landscape.
Original reporting by The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/bjp-wins-dudhdhara-dairy-polls-rival-faction-seats-10262454/
The provided video, “Dudhdhara Dairy Poll Result,” offers visual reporting on the election results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVre1hgDN5Y
