BJP faces internal strife in ahead of Gujarat cooperative dairy polls

Gujarat’s powerful cooperative dairy sector, once considered a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stronghold, is witnessing an unusual surge of infighting as key elections unfold. At Banas Dairy, senior leaders—including former MPs and ex-chairmen—have entered the fray without formal endorsement from the party. Their move has blurred the lines of the BJP’s official stand and raised the prospect of direct contests between rival BJP factions.

The party has not issued formal mandates, but the presence of former MP Haribhai has intensified the battle. Two influential Chaudhary groups are also expected to face off. On the final day of nominations, several additional candidates filed papers under political pressure, further complicating the race.

Dudhdhara win masks growing unease

The turmoil follows a hard-fought contest at Dudhdhara Dairy in Bharuch district. There, the BJP refrained from giving mandates, prompting sitting MLA Arunsinh Rana to back rebel candidates. This pitted him directly against MP Mansukh Vasava and heightened tensions in the region.

Despite the rift, the BJP-backed panel eventually secured a win. However, the episode underscored deepening cracks within the party’s cooperative base.

Veterans defy party headquarters

In Banas, former chairman Anada Patel has filed his nomination, while cooperative veteran Mavji Patel briefly considered entering the race despite attempts to dissuade him. A dramatic twist came when 69 influential voters reportedly went “underground,” fuelling speculation they were being kept at a resort to secure their support.

These developments point to open defiance of the party’s state headquarters at Kamalam in Gandhinagar. Local MPs and MLAs, some acting as rebels, appear willing to override the leadership’s cautious stance.

Mandates lose their power

The BJP has traditionally dominated cooperatives across Gujarat—from dairies to agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) and banks. But the current elections show that the once-powerful tool of issuing candidate mandates is losing its force.

With prominent leaders disregarding official instructions, party insiders say the leadership risks looking weak and ineffective at a time when unity is critical.

The cooperative dairy polls, especially at Banas Dairy, have become a litmus test for the BJP’s control over Gujarat’s influential rural economy. Observers will be watching whether the party can contain the rebellion or if these contests signal a broader shift in its political hold.