Flouting Norms: Junagadh BJP Office-Bearer, Bank Chief’s Relative Linked to Multiple Societies

Farmers in Gujarat’s Junagadh district have intensified their protests over the alleged bogus cooperative societies scam, with fresh allegations naming politically connected individuals who are said to hold positions in multiple cooperative societies in Visavadar taluka.

According to the allegations, Nitin Kapuria, former president of the Visavadar taluka panchayat and currently a Junagadh district BJP office-bearer, is associated with 19 cooperative societies. Jitendra Bhimjibhai Dobaria, the son-in-law of Junagadh District Cooperative Bank President Kirit Patel, is alleged to hold membership or office-bearer positions in 20 societies.

The allegations have fuelled demands from farmers for an investigation into the registration and functioning of the societies, as well as the role of officials who approved them.

Questions Raised Over Cooperative Society Rules

Those raising the issue contend that under the rules governing cooperative societies, a person may serve as a member or office-bearer in only one society formed for the same purpose. They also claim that such membership is generally restricted to farmers from the village where the society operates.

Against this backdrop, the alleged association of Kapuria and Dobaria with numerous societies across different villages has drawn scrutiny.

Registrar’s Role Also Under Scanner

The allegations also question the role of the District Registrar’s Office, claiming that it granted recognition to the societies despite the alleged irregularities.

According to those raising the issue, several of the societies subsequently became eligible for government benefits, including participation in procurement programmes.

Despite the allegations becoming public, no administrative action has been announced so far, prompting criticism from farmers and members of the cooperative sector.

Farmers Demand an Investigation

The controversy has emerged as a major issue in Visavadar taluka, where farmers are demanding a detailed inquiry into the registration of the societies, the eligibility of their office-bearers and members, and the approval process followed by the authorities.

According to the allegations, Kapuria is associated with 19 cooperative societies, while Dobaria is linked to 20 societies across villages including Moti Monpari, Bardia, Khambha, Piyava, Jhanjesar, Mota Bhalgam, Haripur and Mandiya.

At the time of publication, no official response from the individuals named or the authorities concerned was available.