We believe in co-operation: Biscomaun Vice-Chairman

Cooperative history is replete with examples that whenever the political leadership has changed it has led to political upheavals in the cooperative bodies of the state. But Biscomaun which is being controlled by RJD supporter Sunil Singh may prove to be an exception, if its Vice-Chairman Gopal Giri is to be believed.

When a cooperative body starts doing more of business and less of politics it has a smooth sailing, says Giri citing the successful selling of urea at the lowest rate possible to the poor farmers of state, among other things.

We do not believe in confrontation and we seek support of the state govt. A cooperative body does its best when its own leadership and that of the state move in tandem, summarized Giri known for his simplicity. “We believe in cooperation with the govt”, he added. Indian Cooperative again failed on Sunday to contact Biscomaun Chairman Sunil Singh to know his views.

Gopal Giri who is said to kind of a shadow of the Biscomaun Chairman, however says “Our Chairman is a true cooperator in the sense that there are Directors of all parties on our Board yet he is able to win everybody’s confidence and take the co-op organization to greater heights.

There are two BJP nominees from the Centre on the Board of Biscomaun. There is also Jeetendra Kumar, a JDU leader on the board. Sunil has so far led the team successfully.

On the spat between the Biscomaun Chairman and Ramadhar Singh,Gopal Giri said “we were not the ones to start the fight but when it comes to the very survival what options are left before us; Sunilji, you know is a go-getter and a friend of friends; he would never like to pick up issues without solid reason.”

Those working with Biscomaun sing the praises of Sunil Singh. He has partly restored the glory of Biscomaun, they say. These days salaries are credited into accounts of the employees on first of every month for all its employees spread from Bihar to Jharkhand- unheard of till recently, said driver Ram Prakash employed with Biscomaun for the past 25 years.

Besides, Sunil Singh is also said to enjoy unique relationship with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Rana Randhir Singh also comes from the same area- Motihari. Though Sunil would not admit but his congenial relationship with the Union Minister is going to stand him in good stead, said one of his friends without wishing to be named.

But most of all, conversion of Biscomaun into a multi-state cooperative has insulated it to a great extent from a grudge bearing state. Giri, however retorts “We do not think in these terms rather look forward to working as a partner with the govt in the growth of farmers and the state”.