Parthi Bhatol has been elected director of the Banas dairy board for the eight times in a row. He has been elected from Palanpur constituency defeating his rival Haribhai Chaudhary a local BJP heavyweight.

The election had been due already in December 2011 but had got delayed as some milk societies moved the Gujarat High Court for the holding of election in accordance with the circular of the state govt. giving equal representation to all talukas affiliated with the dairy cooperatives.

Sources say the chairman would be elected by 18 members including one each from GCMMF, NDDB, district registrar of cooperative societies and a representative from Banas dairy. The district collector is expected to announce the date for the election of chairman as well soon, sources add.

Dr Verghese Kurien, the frail old man who sparkled as a bright star on Indian cooperative scene not long ago, is no more.

He breathed his last in a hospital in Nadiad on Sunday morning. He is survived by wife and a daughter.

His end did not come owing to any disease as doctors treating him Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital said it was age-related. By the age of 90, a number of faculties go weak as heart and lungs muscles find it hard to carry on the burden of breathing, sources add.

As if GCMMF had premonitions, its Managing Director RS Sodhi, former Chairman Parthi Bhatol and other officials had gathered in large number to celebrate his last birth day on 16th of November. Indian Cooperative.com had covered it extensively.

Condolences have begun to pour with the President of India Pranab Mukerjee calling it an irreparable loss. Incumbent Managing Director R S Sodhi was among a few who reached the hospital as soon as news of his death spread like wild fire.

One of the cooperators Mr Parasmani of Delhi who happened to know Kurien from old days when Kurien saw the dream of making India number one in milk production in the world, recalled his grit and determination.

“He would come clutching some papers, would ask us to organize a press conference , speak out his wooly ideas and vanish”, said Mr Parasmani going down the memory lane.

He achieved everything in his life time. He made India number one in milk production and ushered in milk revolution through Operation Flood. He made Amul, his pet project a force to reckon with.

Indian Cooperative.com salutes the king-size man! You can post your condolences in the comment box below. passed away early this morning at in neighbouring Nadiad town due to age-related problems, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) sources said.

He was 90 years old and is.

Kurien, who took India from being a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer, is recognized as the father of white revolution and the man who started ‘operation flood’, besides making the Amul dairy brand a household name.

GCMMF chairman M S Sodhi had reached the hospital, sources said.

Kurien’s 90th birthday was celebrated in a big way at his residence in Anand by the GCMMF on November 26 last year.

President Pranab Mukherjee today condoled the death of Dr Verghese Kurien, the father of India’s ‘white revolution’.

Mukherjee hailed Kurien as one who ushered in white revolution and had made enormous contributions to the fields of agriculture, rural development and dairying.

Kurien, 90, who took India from being a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer, passed away early this morning in Gujarat due to age-related problems.

He is recognised as the man who started ‘operation flood’, the largest diary development programme in the world, besides making the Amul brand a household name.

The elections to the various milk unions of Gujarat Cooperative Marketing Milk Unions (GCMMF) are underway. But this time it somewhat different. A new player Parivartan Party floated by Keshu Bhai is giving headach to Narendra Modi.

Modi’s protégé and former Chairman of GCMMF Parthi Bhatol is contesting elections from Banas milk union. Talking to Indian Cooperative Bhatol pooh-poohed the factor of Parivartan Party. He said that already 3 union elections have been won by us where our candidate romped home uncontested.

Talking about Banas dairy election slated for September 9, Bhatol said “My victory is certain, I will 100 per cent”. Banas Milk Union was mired into a host of controversies with corruption charges leveled against Bhato.

“Let the electorate decide, we have made Banas dairy fastest growing unit and our detractors have no idea the kind of confidence I enjoy from our members”, a confident Bhatol told Indian Cooperative.

Traditionally BJP and Congress were major players in this election but Keshu Bhai has decided to test the water before he plunges into assembly election slated for November. So far he has not been able to succeed  and Modi has captured majority of seats. Whether the colour of GCMMF would change or not would be clear by the next fortnight.

Vipul Chaudhary was elected as the new chairman of GCMMF, producer of Amul on Saturday. He talked to Indian Cooperative on Sunday outlining his priorities.

Excerpts:

Indian Cooperative: Congratulations Mr Chaudhary! You won unanimously.

Vipul Chaudhary: Thanks

Indian Cooperative: What is your top priority as GCMMF’s Chairman?

Vipul Chaudhary: To make the state of Gujarat number one in milk production. The State’s position is presently number five.

Indian Cooperative: What is the road map? How are you going to achieve this?

Vipul Chaudhary: We would seek guidance from the respected Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is ever eager to make Gujarat number one in all sectors. We would also seek help from Amrita Behn of NDDB and then work out an action plan. We are sure to achieve this goal sooner than later.

Indian Cooperative: What else?

Vipul Chaudhary: Quality and consumer grievance are two things I am personally going to look into. All complaints would immediately be attended to as I think it is also a high priority.

Indian Cooperative: Would you enlist support of the outgoing Chairman Parthi Bhatol? Do you think he would create problems for you, given a history of bitter differences?

Vipul Chaudahry: Absolutely wrong! Parthi Bhai Bhatol is like my elder brother. We are from the same community and from the adjoining districts. That apart, it was he who proposed my name and I am confident I would have his full support all through my tenure.

Vipul Chaudhary, the Chairman of Mehsana Milk Union was elected as the new Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), in an election marked by hectic political maneuvering behind the scene.

Parthi Bhatol who served two-terms as Chairman of Amul, made way for Chaudhary to the great surprise of media and people associated with GCMMF political matrix.

Bhatol said, “I had not filed nominations for the post of chairman. I propose Vipul’s name. He has significant experience in the dairy industry, and is heading the Dudhsagar Dairy in Mehsana. All of us will together steer GCMMF to new heights.”

Till yesterday Bhatol was angling for the top political post but in the last minute he proposed Vipul Chaudhary’s name to the anti-climax of a political build-up marked for last fortnight.

Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat is caught in political vortex in the wake of Assembly election scheduled for November. GCMMF politics threatened to tear into the unity of BJP which is already compromised in the wake of Keshu Bhai’s floating a new party.

The Chairmen of milk unions affiliated to GCMMF waited for “instruction” from Narendra Modi till last minute. Even Bhatol was at a loss as to which way the politics would turn. Modi was careful not to allow a prolonged political build up that would cost BJP its unity.

The political operation was quick and swift. The instruction was clear—Vipul is to be supported. And nobody but the outgoing Chairman Bahtol would propose his name.

“Instruction” in place, the election of Chairman of GCMMF was a smooth affair. Vipul Chaudhary was elected unanimously and Bhatol did not even file his nomination. Cooperative politics gave way to consensus politics.

The transition of power was rather smooth and it took only half an hour for the diary behemoth to elect its new guardian. Hope this bonhomie continues in days to come. Vipul has already announced a goal of Rs 30,000 crore by 2020 and would be needing support from all to achieve this. Amul, after all is pride of Indian cooperative movement.

Die is cast, it’s a fight between Parthi Bhatol and Vipul Chaudhary in the election of Gujarat Cooperative Marketing Milk Federation (GCMMF), the owner of famous brand Amul.

Till recently Bhatol was being coy and not declaring his name. He was probably waiting for the green light from the High Command. But on Sunday while talking to Indian Cooperative.com he said he is very much in race.

Bhatol would file nomination on 18th August, the day of the GCMMF election. Obeying the court orders the Deputy Commissioner of Anand had announced the election schedule. Vipul Chaudhary would also file nomination on the same day.

Vipul Chaudhary is representing the milk union, Dudhsagar of Mehsana while Bhatol represents Banas dairy.

Though Bhatol was careful enough not to drop any hint, it is obvious that he has had some positive response from Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

But Indian Cooperative has reliably learnt that though Modi favours Bhatol he is yet to signal his choice to the different milk unions
counting sixteen.

Majority of the milk unions, about 12 are controlled by the ruling party while the remaining four are in the Congress fold. Modi, himself caught neck-deep into the preparations for the assembly elections would spell out his choice, according to his close aide, a couple of days only before the election.

The delay is necessitated by the fact that Vipul Cahudhary, the challenger of Bhatol also belongs to the BJP fold. Modi would not like to displease anybody without reasons. He is possibly assessing the loss or the gain of supporting either of the candidates in the larger context of the state election due in November.

But what is clear is that the Congress MLA and Chairman of milk union Amul , Ramsinh Parmar stands no chance.

His effort to upset Bhatol by siding with Vipul Chaudhary is fraught with risks for Vipul as his party would not take kindly to his seeking support from outsiders.

Vipul’s detractors accuse him of not conducting the affairs of Dudhsagar in a fair and progressive manner. His disposition and way of treating people are also not liked by many.

There are many who oppose Bhatol too and cite numerous cases of irregularity at Banas dairy. The current subtle war may get louder as the election day gets closer.

Shankar Chaudhary. He is the man who holds the key to the GCMMF election scheduled for August 18.

The world-famous Amul brand is owned by GCMMF headquartered at Anand in Gujarat.

Shankar Singh is a BJP MLA and the Chairman of Banas District Cooperative Bank. He is said to be very close to Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The fight for the GCMMF Chairmanship is again between the current Chairman Parthi Bhatol and his old-time adversary Vipul Chaudhary.
Indian Cooperative has reliably learnt that Narendra Modi is in favour of the current Chairman Parthi Bhatol. But Modi himself is a beleaguered man in this election year.

Modi’s problem is being compounded by Keshu Bhai Patel who has floated a party of his own and is likely to draw on the BJP following.
Vipul Chaudhary is also from BJP and would pull out all the stops to impress upon the party leadership to nominate him.

Observers say anything can happen in the election year. Modi is not as domineering as he used to be given the compulsions of electoral politics.

Parthi Bhatol’s son Vasant Bhatol is also a BJP MLA having clout with the BJP leadership. Vipil would have to contend with him as well. The choice of candidature remains inconclusive so far.

Shankar Chaudhary, the strong man from Banas is said to favour Bhatol. Chaudhary’s closeness with Narendra Modi is the strongest point in favour of Bhatol.

But Ramsinh Parmar is a factor Bhatol may have to reckon with in his bid to secure nomination for the Chairmanship. Last time Ramsinh Parmar had teamed up with Vipul Chaudhary to upset Bhatol’s applecart. But Chief Minister Narendra Modi acted as a bulwork against the plot.

Cooperative politics in the country as well as in Gujarat is not divided on political party lines. It is a common sight to see BJP man lobbying with Congress to win an election. Being party-neutral also helps the cooperative politics to rise above the narrow considerations.

But with Modi’s own house afire, how far could he be effective in dousing other’s fire remains to be seen.

There is an eerie silence in GCMMF at Anand in Gujarat these days. Elections are round the corner but when- is not known to anyone. And who are in fray is another question haunting the stake holders.

Talking to Indian Cooperative on Monday the outgoing Chairman Parthi Bhatol once again reiterated that he does not know if he is a candidate. Sources confide to Indian Cooperative that he is waiting for “order” of his political bosses.

But Bhatol clarified to Indian Cooperative that what he waits for is the members’ reaction. If they want me to contest I would do so, he said emphatically.

When Indian Cooperative contacted Mr R S Sodhi, the Managing Director of GCMMF to know the date of elections, Mr Sodhi said “no dates have come so far from the office of District Magistrate”.

Readers could recall that court had asked Collector to complete the elections procedure within a month. Board has already completed its tenure in July.

GCMMF, the cooperative federation of 16 milk unions has in its byelaws stipulation of a perpetual board. Explaining this further, Sodhi said that unless the next board meeting takes place, the erstwhile board would continue.

The dairy cooperative giant passes through the motion of a board meeting after every three months. Even the date of holding next board meeting is to be fixed in consultation with the district magistrate.

But Mr Sodhi sounded confident that within a month a new board would be constituted.

Vipul Chaudhary remains a potent challenger, besides Bhatol. But each of the board members of GCMMF has to first get elected from the milk union which he represents. Election of Banas dairy is round the corner.

Bhatol’s victory at Banas would embolden him to contend for the election of Chairmanship of GCMMF. Till then fingers would remain crossed.

The term of Chairman of GCMMF, a cooperative federation of fifteen dairy cooperatives comes to an end on 25-26th June. R S Sodhi, Managing Director of the famed dairy brand Amul has already written to the collector for starting the process of election.

Parthi Bhatol, the current Chairman had a tumultuous tenure with Ram Sinh Parmar of Congress mounting a continuous pressure on him to quit. The matter had come to a head a couple of years ago when a majority of members of GCMMF Board had gone against Bhatol.

But how he won remains an act of miracle yet. It is said that because of his simplicity Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat backed him and he succeeded in turning the board in his favour. Lots of water has flown through the Ganges meanwhile with his opponents at Banas dairy mounting all kinds of charges against him.

Vipul Chaudhary,the man behind Dudhsagar, was the one who had challenged Bhatol earlier. Since the date of election has not been announced directors of GCCMF are keeping their cards close to their chest.

Vipul Chaudhry is in BJP and could easily get himself catapulted as the candidate for the Chairmanship. Bhatol is non-committal and leaving everything on high command and Ram Sinh Parmar’s political activities on the subject remain unclear so far.

Campaign would pick up momentum once the date of the election is announced. According to unconfirmed sources it could be 17 or 18 July,just before the election of the President of India which is scheduled for 19th July.

GCMMF has 16 voters, 15 of them belong to the dairy cooperatives and one vote belongs to the Registrar of the Gujarat cooperatives. In the last election there were 13 votes but two more cooperative federations have joined since adding to the votes.

Those contesting the election for the Chairmanship of GCMMF would have to keep an eye on four members as they are treated as floating votes. They could switch sides easily. This includes Manu Patel of Surat Dairy,Jetha Patel of Sabarkatha dairy,Shankar Singh Rana of Gandhi Nagar dairy and Baba Parmar of Surendra Nagar dairy.

Embarking on a fresh plan of expanding its business, GCMMF known for its brand AMUL contemplates establishing more than a thousand outlets across the country in 2012-13.

Amul with about seven thousand outlets marketing a range of dairy products remains one of the biggest players in India. Posting a continuous growth in business,  Amul  has an impressive  annual turnover of nearly twelve thousand crore.

Amul is set to surge ahead adding to its business turnover in the days ahead, without being afraid or uncomfortable about its rivals.

According to Mr R S Sodhi   MD, GCMMF, there is always a touch of freshness and novelty about Amul. The popular brand keeps refurbishing its image through a continuous innovative advertisement campaign.

Amul is so well known a brand that it needs no introduction.  Dairy products and Amul are synonymous in India.