Farmers Take Out Massive Protest March in Kolhapur to Save Cooperative Democracy

Kolhapur, Correspondent

A massive protest march was organised outside the Kolhapur Collector’s Office on Monday under the leadership of Congress MLA Satej Patil, demanding the protection of democratic principles in the cooperative sector and opposing what the protesters termed as the Mahayuti alliance’s alleged political manoeuvres to capture control of the Gokul Milk Union.

The march began at Dasara Chowk at 11 am and proceeded towards the Collector’s Office. A large number of farmers participated in the demonstration, many accompanied by their cattle, including buffaloes and bullocks. After reaching the Collector’s Office, several leaders addressed the gathering, bringing the protest to a close.

The controversy stems from the election to the Kolhapur District Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union (Gokul), in which the Samavichari Alliance secured 13 of the 25 seats, while the Mahayuti alliance won 12. Protesters alleged that the Mahayuti subsequently resorted to political manoeuvring to prevent the Samavichari Alliance from assuming control of the union.

They particularly objected to the government's decision to appoint four nominated directors and the alleged amendment to cooperative laws to grant them voting rights in the election of the chairman. Expressing strong resentment over the move, MLA Satej Patil had called for a protest march to defend democratic values in the cooperative sector.

Responding to his call, farmers from across Kolhapur district, as well as neighbouring Sangli district and parts of Karnataka, joined the demonstration in large numbers.

The protest featured striking displays and slogans. Farmers carried oversized footwear-shaped placards bearing messages condemning alleged political tactics used to retain power. One activist drew attention by hanging a placard around a buffalo’s neck that read, "Make me a Gokul director too!" Other participants carried banners demanding that a representative of the Samavichari Alliance be appointed chairman of Gokul.

Several prominent political leaders participated in the march, including Congress MP Vishal Patil, MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, former MP Raju Shetti, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jayant Patil, Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam and former MLA Rajubaba Awale.

A large number of municipal corporators, Zilla Parishad members, directors of cooperative institutions, village sarpanches, and chairpersons and directors of milk cooperative societies also joined the demonstration.

Farmers arrived with bullock carts and buffaloes, carrying black flags, Congress party flags and the national Tricolour. Portraits depicting farmers and symbolic live tableaux were also part of the procession. Traditional Halgi and Ghumka drum performances added to the atmosphere as protesters raised slogans against the government. Some farmers carried whips as a symbolic expression of protest. Women also participated in significant numbers.

The march turned into a major show of strength, with the approximately 1.5-kilometre stretch between Dasara Chowk and the Collector’s Office witnessing an overwhelming turnout. The procession was so large that the route was crowded even before the march formally began, with adjoining roads also filled with protesters.

Despite the intense summer heat, farmers continued walking for nearly an hour to reach the Collector’s Office. The massive gathering disrupted traffic across the area, forcing police personnel to work hard to regulate vehicular movement and maintain order.

Extensive police arrangements were deployed to ensure security and manage the large gathering.

The protest emerged as a significant demonstration of farmers' opposition to the alleged political interference in the functioning of cooperative institutions and their demand to safeguard democratic representation in the cooperative sector.

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