Gopinath Munde an important member of the Modi govt recently killed in a road accident in the capital was a name to conjure within the cooperative world of Maharashtra.
He rivaled Sharad Pawar when it came to promoting as well as resolving problems of cooperatives in the region. Sources keeping tabs on the cooperative affairs see in his untimely demise a great loss to the cooperative movement in this part of Maharashtra.
In a tweet IFFCO has expressed sadness on the untimely demise of Gopinath Munde. The tweet reads “we are deeply saddened to hear about Sh. Gopinath Mundeji. Our heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”
The deceased would always be remembered for establishing an organization of sugarcane workers and transporters in the region. He not only got their wages enhanced at intervals but also would steadfastly stand by them whenever they would be threatened by the vested interests.
He had helped in the establishment of several cooperative sugar mills in Marathwada area. There was general acknowledgement that he exercised a great influence over the local cooperative movement.
Munde had scores of efficiently run sugar factories under his direct or indirect control. He had given the Congress-NCP combine a run for their money in the cooperative sector in Maharashtra.
He began his involvement with the cooperative sector in 2000 and kept it up until the end of his life. His popularity among cooperators cut across party lines.