The forthcoming election to the Governing Council of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) is turning out to be unique in several respects, most notably because of the unprecedented enthusiasm shown by member institutions to participate in the democratic process.
Across the country, representatives of member cooperatives have undertaken long and often arduous journeys to file their nomination papers, reflecting the growing importance attached to the election. According to sources familiar with the process, the level of participation and engagement witnessed this year is unlike anything seen in recent NCUI elections.
One of the most striking developments has been the large-scale clearance of long-pending membership dues by institutions seeking eligibility to vote and contest. Several members who had remained ineligible for years due to non-payment of dues have settled their outstanding amounts in full.
Indian Cooperative has learnt that the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Jute & Agriculture Development Federation Ltd., headquartered at 14, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow, made a one-time payment of Rs 6.79 lakh to regain eligibility for voting and contesting in the election.
Sources say the current election cycle has witnessed the highest dues clearance in NCUI’s history. Barring a few institutions rendered ineligible because of non-attendance or circumstances that could not be rectified, most member bodies have taken the necessary steps to become eligible participants in the electoral process.
According to informed sources, credit for this remarkable mobilisation of members goes partly to the election machinery and partly to the proactive efforts of the government. Officials from the Ministry are said to have reached out directly to member institutions, encouraging them to participate actively in cooperative governance and decision-making. Many members described such outreach as a first-of-its-kind experience.
Sources further point out that this election has also been notable for the openness of the nomination process. Several candidates who filed nominations said that, unlike in the past, they did not feel constrained by fears of displeasing influential leaders or power centres. Cooperative elections have often faced criticism for discouraging dissenting voices, but many participants described the current atmosphere as considerably more inclusive and democratic.
Indian Cooperative has also learnt that, for perhaps the first time, the BJP and the RSS-affiliated cooperative organisation Sahakar Bharati are working in close coordination in the run-up to the elections.
Knowledgeable sources say that decisions are being taken through mutual consultations and without visible rancour. However, political temperatures are expected to rise once voting begins for the election of Governing Council members. With only twenty seats available and a large number of strong contenders in the fray, competition is expected to be intense.
Prominent cooperative leaders whose names figure in the provisional list include Dileep Sanghani, Chandrapal Singh Yadav, Jyotindra Mehta, G.H. Amin, Mohan Kundariya, Meenesh Shah, H.K. Patil, Bipin Patel, Pravin Darekar, D.N. Thakur, Ram Iqbal Singh, Ajay Patel, Annasaheb Jolle, Vishal Singh, Mudit Verma, Balvir Singh, Mangaljit Rai, Jeen Potsangbam, Sanjiv Kusalkar, Prasad Dora, Sishpal Singh and Ashok Dabas.
The outgoing Vice President, Bijender Singh, is conspicuously absent from the provisional list. Another prominent cooperative leader, former Biscomaun Chairman Sunil Kumar Singh, also does not feature among the eligible delegates. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, who earlier represented KRIBHCO, has emerged as a delegate from the Bundelkhand Krishi Utpadan Vipanan Sahakari Samiti of Uttar Pradesh.
The provisional list of eligible member institutions and their delegates for the election to the NCUI Governing Council, scheduled for July 15, 2026, has already been released. Out of nearly 347 member institutions affiliated with the apex cooperative body, around 150 have been declared eligible to participate in the election process.
The final list of eligible voters and delegates is expected to be published on June 25, setting the stage for what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched NCUI elections in recent years.
