Voting for the election to the Governing Council of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), the apex representative body of the country’s cooperative movement, is being held today (Saturday), with the outcome expected to shape the leadership and policy direction of India’s cooperative sector for the coming years.
The election has generated considerable interest as candidates backed by Sahakar Bharati are believed to be in a strong position across most of the 10 contested seats.
In the run-up to the polls, Sahakar Bharati’s top leadership, led by President Uday Joshi and National Secretary Deepak Chaurasia, has been camping in New Delhi for nearly a week, coordinating with electors and mobilising support for its panel of candidates. Political observers believe the organisation has managed its electoral arithmetic effectively in several constituencies.
Among the seven seats representing State Cooperative Unions and Union Territories, elections are being held for only two positions. Jeena Potsangbam of the Manipur State Cooperative Union is widely expected to secure victory after the withdrawal of Mangal Jit Rai, a move that is seen as strengthening the Sahakar Bharati camp. Bihar State Cooperative Union Chairman Vinay Kumar Shahi is also considered to be comfortably placed.
The National Federations constituency has attracted significant attention. Although six candidates initially entered the fray for five seats, indications are that IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani, KRIBHCO’s Bipin Patel, NCCF Chairman Vishal Singh, NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah and NAFED nominee Mohanbhai Kundariya are likely to emerge victorious. Reports suggest that changes in the contest, including the expected withdrawal of one candidate, have made the electoral picture clearer.
Another closely watched contest is in the constituency representing State-level Cooperative Federations and Associations from Western and Southern India, where former BJP MP and veteran Karnataka cooperator Annasaheb Jolle is considered to have an edge over Maharashtra State Cooperative Labour Federation Chairman Sanjiv Kushalkar.
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies constituency is witnessing a six-cornered contest, with BJP MLC Sanjay Bhende emerging as one of the strongest contenders. The constituency has an electoral college of 44 members, many of whom belong to Maharashtra.
While today’s voting is expected to determine the composition of the new Governing Council, the race for the top leadership of NCUI remains open. Outgoing President Dileep Sanghani and senior cooperator D.N. Thakur are among the leading names for the presidency, though seasoned observers believe the possibility of a consensus or surprise candidate cannot be ruled out.
The results of today’s election are expected to provide a clear indication of the balance of power within India’s cooperative movement and the future direction of the country’s apex cooperative institution.
