What is the Gokul Cooperative Milk Federation Election Issue in Maharashtra?

Members of dairy cooperatives and Gokul farmers take part in a protest march in Kolhapur, Maharashtra | Photo credit: PTI

Elections to one of the largest milk federations in Maharashtra have turned into a political mess. Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Ltd, popularly known as Gokul, is one of the largest and most influential dairy cooperatives in Maharashtra. After elections were recently held for the posts of directors, the Congress-led panel won with a narrow majority of 13-12 in the 25-director body. Soon after, the BJP-led state government issued an order to appoint five nominee directors. Four of them will have voting rights. This caused massive backlash as it will tip the majority in favor of the ruling alliance through appointed directors, although the alliance could not win a majority through democratically held elections.

Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Ltd., well known by its popular brand ‘Gokul’, is a project of Operation Flood Cooperative Dairy Cooperative established on March 16, 1963. It is one of the most prominent political and economic forces in Western Maharashtra and has established itself as the premier dairy cooperative in the state. Maharashtra politics is shaped by a significant cooperative sector.

Published – November 10, 2026 12:05 PM IST