Allegations of Corruption Emerge in Sumul Dairy Board Elections

The Surat and Tapi District Milk Producers Cooperative Union Limited, known as Sumul Dairy, is embroiled in controversy as allegations of a ₹1,000-crore scam surface ahead of its board elections. The Indian National Congress claims that election authorities accepted nomination papers from candidates under investigation for financial irregularities from 2015 to 2020.

Congress leaders argue that candidates facing scrutiny under Section 86 of the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act were allowed to participate in the election without appropriate investigation. Darshan Nayak, General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, accused the state of withholding a critical investigation report to protect implicated politicians.

The opposition has highlighted that several BJP-backed candidates who were part of the Sumul board during the period of alleged misconduct have been allowed to run for election again. Among these candidates are notable figures such as Raju Pathak and Reshabhai Chaudhary, causing discontent among local farmers who rely on the cooperative's stability.

Concerns are also raised about the uncontested election of five out of the sixteen board seats, all won by BJP-backed candidates. Congress alleges these uncontested victories resulted from political pressure or manipulation, undermining the democratic process. The opposition claims this has compromised the integrity of the cooperative election system.

Agribusiness analysts warn of potential financial risks if compromised leadership regains control of Sumul Dairy, potentially affecting the cooperative's future viability. Nayak cautioned that any financial mismanagement could have severe consequences for milk producers and farmers in South Gujarat.

In response, Congress has filed official objections demanding the public release of the Section 86 investigation and is preparing legal challenges and public demonstrations to address the issue.