Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance has captured the chairmanship of the influential Gokul Cooperative Milk Federation, with former NCP MLA Rajesh Patil elected to the post on Tuesday.
Patil defeated Congress-backed Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar by securing 16 votes against 13. The victory came despite the Congress-led panel winning control of the 25-member board last month.
Four government-nominated directors, whose voting rights triggered a political and legal controversy, proved decisive in the chairman’s election. Under an understanding among Mahayuti partners, Patil will serve as chairman for the first year.
He has promised to work beyond political differences, protect milk producers’ interests and improve the cooperative’s financial health.
