The highly anticipated elections for Bihar’s apex marketing cooperative body, Biscomaun, have been thrown into turmoil following an interim order from the High Court of Jharkhand, Ranchi on Thursday evening.
The court stayed the publication of election results, ruling that the outcome will depend on the result of a writ petition filed before it.
On Thursday morning, nominations for the key posts of Chairman and Vice-Chairman were officially filed, setting the stage for a fierce contest. The Chairman’s post saw a high-profile face-off between Vishal Singh, Chairman of the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), and Bandana Singh, wife of outgoing Chairman Sunil Kumar Singh.
Sunil Singh, barred from seeking a third consecutive term under MSCS Act norms, had fielded his wife in an effort to retain control over the cooperative.
The Vice-Chairman’s race became equally competitive, with Mahesh Rai, formerly aligned with Sunil Singh’s group, filing his nomination from Vishal Singh’s camp. Meanwhile, Vinay Kumar, an RJD MLA and Sunil Singh’s close ally, also entered the fray from the outgoing Chairman’s faction.
In the evening, the court’s interim order came, sent by Sunil Kumar Singh, disrupting the election process. The writ petition, W.P.(C) No. 2485/2025, was filed by the State of Jharkhand, challenging the notification and letters dated 03.04.2025 and 05.05.2025, which were related to the election of office bearers at Biscomaun. The elections were originally scheduled for 8th and 9th May 2025.
The interim order has effectively halted the announcement of election results, pending further hearings. The next hearing has been set for 09.06.2025.
This ruling has thrown a wrench into what was expected to be a dramatic showdown between the two factions vying for control of Biscomaun.
It bears recalling that Prior to the election of office bearers, Sunil Singh’s panel held a majority in the Board of Directors, but recent defections, including the shift of three key directors to Vishal Singh’s camp, had significantly altered the balance of power. Many observers had predicted a likely victory for Vishal Singh.
Despite the setback, Sunil Kumar Singh remains confident that his group will secure victory. “Wait and watch,” he said, underscoring his belief that his faction will successfully elect the next Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
The court’s order has added uncertainty to the future leadership of Biscomaun, and the cooperative’s direction now hinges on the court’s decision.
