In a dramatic last-minute development, veteran cooperator and IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani has entered the race for the NCUI Governing Council after initially deciding to stay out of the contest. His nomination came following a meeting with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, who is understood to have personally persuaded him to contest.
Until Sunday morning, Sanghani had publicly backed the candidature of Manish Sanghani, an emerging cooperative leader from Amreli district. However, the political equations changed after his meeting with Shah.
Confirming the development to the Indian Cooperative, Sanghani said, “I am a disciplined worker of my party and will always abide by the decision of the High Command.” He added that Manish Sanghani has now been asked to withdraw from the contest, clearing the way for his candidature.
Sanghani described his interaction with the Union Minister as cordial and productive. Besides discussing the NCUI elections, the two reviewed developments in Gujarat’s cooperative sector, particularly the recent initiatives undertaken by GUJCOMASOL.
With Sanghani now in the fray, his election to the NCUI Governing Council is widely regarded as virtually certain. More significantly, his entry is expected to reshape the contest for the presidency of the National Cooperative Union of India, adding a fresh political dimension to the election.
Cooperative insiders believe the withdrawal of Manish Sanghani has strengthened the prospects of Karnataka cooperator and former BJP MP Annasaheb Jolle in the race for a seat on the GC. The final electoral picture, however, will emerge only after nominations close later this evening.
The Indian Cooperative will bring readers a comprehensive analysis of the final nominations, emerging alliances and the likely outcome of the NCUI elections once the nomination process concludes.
