The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step regarding the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, commonly known as Gokul, by issuing a fresh ordinance. Under this new legal provision, the state government will appoint four government-nominated directors to the board, and these four individuals will also be granted official voting rights within the union.
Details of the New Ordinance
According to officials, the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, was officially promulgated on Friday. This measure amends Section 73AAA of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and comes into force with immediate effect. The new regulation applies specifically to federal cooperative societies, excluding district central cooperative banks, that maintain an annual turnover exceeding 500 crore rupees and receive financial or non-financial assistance from the state government in the form of share capital, loans, guarantees, grants, or land.
Political Reactions and Implications
This formal notification follows a decision taken by the Maharashtra cabinet during a meeting held three days prior. With the official issuance of the ordinance, political activity and tensions have risen sharply in Kolhapur, accompanied by initial expressions of dissent. Congress leader Satej (Bunty) Patil has publicly questioned the state administration's move. Attention is now firmly fixed on how this government intervention will impact the existing board of directors and the upcoming presidential elections at Gokul.
