Vikramsinh Ghatge, a veteran in Maharashtra’s cooperative sector who had a connection with the Kolhapur royal family, recently passed away. He was 67, reports the Times of India.
Ghatge founded the Chhatrapati Shahu cooperative sugar factory, a leading mill in the sugar bowl of the country, and was at the helm of the factory. He was elected legislator from the Kagal assembly constituency in 1978 and 1980. His followers retain their clout in Kolhapur politics.
Family members said Ghatge suffered a cardiac arrest at home. He was rushed to a private hospital but declared brought dead. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, ruler of the erstwhile Kolhapur princely state, belonged to the Ghatge family and was adopted by the ruling Kolhapur princely family when he was 10 years old.
Ghatge made immense contribution to the cooperative sector and set up several cooperative dairy societies, cooperative banks and education societies. He founded the Chhatrapati Shahu sugar factory in 1980 and remained its president till date.
Though the veteran leader stayed away from active politics in recent years, he had a large number of followers who would play a major role during assembly and Lok Sabha elections.