In a dramatic and closely watched election at Maharashtra’s prominent GS Mahanagar Cooperative Bank, a rare family rivalry unfolded as a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law contested against each other, with the daughter-in-law ultimately emerging victorious in a sweeping win.
The election, held on Sunday, witnessed a high-voltage contest between two rival panels.
Suman G. Shelke, wife of the bank’s late founder Solicitor Gulabraoji S. Shelke, led one panel named the “Solicitor Gulabrao Shelke and Suman Gulabrao Shelke Panel,” while her daughter-in-law, Geetanjali Uday Shelke, led the opposing “Solicitor Gulabrao Shelke Sansthapak Panel,” which ultimately clinched all 19 seats on the Board of Directors.
Adding to the intensity of the electoral battle, the daughter-in-law not only defeated her mother-in-law but also triumphed over her husband’s sister, Smita Shelke, who was contesting from her mother’s panel.
Sources say Geetanjali Uday Shelke is a close aide of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and enjoys support from other senior leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Balasaheb Thorat. Her political connections, combined with strong grassroots backing, are believed to have ensured the landslide victory.
Contesting from two seats, one reserved for women and one general, she secured 12,555 votes on the women’s seat and 13,017 votes on the general seat.
In contrast, both Suman G. Shelke and Smita Shelke failed to cross the 4,000-vote mark, indicating a decisive shift in voter sentiment within the bank’s membership.
The results, declared on Monday, mark a significant change in the bank’s leadership dynamics. The bank currently boasts a business mix exceeding Rs 5,000 crore.
It is worth noting that Solicitor Gulabraoji Shelke, the founding Chairman, had laid the foundation for the bank’s growth and reputation. After his passing, leadership passed to his son Uday Shelke. However, following Uday’s untimely death, Suman G. Shelke took charge of the bank. Now, with this election outcome, the baton appears to have passed to the next generation, ushering in a new era for the institution.
