Protests Erupt Over Maharashtra Government's Appointment of Gokul Dairy Directors

Thousands of people marched in Kolhapur to protest the Maharashtra government's decision to appoint directors in the Gokul Milk Cooperative Society. The Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government of attempting to take control of the union by changing voting rules. The Congress stated that while its panel won 13 of 25 seats, the government subsequently granted voting rights to four directors, increasing the Bharatiya Janata Party's strength from 12 to 16.

The dispute involves the governance of a major cooperative society, raising concerns about political influence over agricultural business operations. The allegations of rule changes following an election challenge the stability and mandate of the Gokul Milk Cooperative Society.