Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary has been elected unopposed to the board of Banas Dairy, one of India’s largest dairy cooperatives and a key constituent of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). The election was held without contest, affirming Chaudhary’s influence in both state politics and the cooperative dairy landscape.
Chaudhary will join five other newly elected board members, further consolidating leadership at Banas Dairy as it prepares for expansion, diversification, and technological upgrades in the years to come.
This development highlights the profound and often strategic connection between political leadership and dairy cooperatives in Gujarat—a state widely regarded as the cradle of India’s White Revolution.
Strategic Significance
Banas Dairy, officially known as Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd., plays a critical role in India’s dairy economy, handling over 75 lakh litres of milk per day, with a strong focus on rural upliftment and value-added dairy production.
With Chaudhary’s leadership, the board is expected to:
- Advance Banas Dairy’s expansion projects across India
- Strengthen policy engagement with state and central governments
- Facilitate investments in dairy technology and farmer-centric programs
🧠 Background: Politics & Dairy in Gujarat
Gujarat has historically seen substantial overlaps between cooperative leadership and political influence—from Dr Verghese Kurien’s Amul legacy to modern dairy-political integration. Banas Dairy is a prime example, consistently leveraging this synergy to invest in processing capacity, rural infrastructure, and milk procurement innovation.
