Cooperative is a game of realpolitik and it is more so when you look at the every-minute changing colour of co-operators at the National Labour Co-op Federation. Friends become foes and foes become friends in no time here.
Ashok Dabas who was till yesterday fighting old-timer Sanjiv Kushalkar was seen advocating his case before Chandra Pal for a berth in GC of NCUI and he is fighting VVP Nair who was his friend till yesterday.
Both Dabas and Nair are fighting from a constituency which has a number of co-operative societies including fisheries, labour, handloom, handicraft etc. There were 15 voters but one of them (a Dabas supporter) has already been disqualified. This leaves 14 voters in the list.
Dabas would have won but for Bijender Singh, Nafed Chairman who is opposed to his candidacy and would not listen to anyone in the matter, sources say. Several voters of this constituency are loyal to Bijender Singh and his words would be final, said sources.
Indian Cooperative has gathered that Chandra Pal and some of the other senior leaders wanted to support Dabas but they are helpless in the matter. Insiders say Chandra Pal would never do anything which would displease Bijender Singh, despite him having a different view in the matter.
There are a few votes of handloom and handicraft co-op societies which ultimately rest with the Delhi govt. Candidates are also approaching CM Arvind Kejriwal for the same, sources add.
Lack of bonhomie between Bijender and Dabas has an old history due to a host of local factors. It is less of love for Nair than resistance to supporting Dabas which has motivated Bijender Singh to play an active role in the constituency, said sources.