Rajesh Patil – full name Rajesh Narsingrao Patil – is the new chairman of Gokul, the Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh. On 10 November 2026, the former Chandgad MLA defeated Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar 16-13 to take charge of one of India’s best-known dairy cooperatives. Here is his complete biography and political journey.
Rajesh Patil Biography at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rajesh Narsingrao Patil |
| Party | Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) |
| Home constituency | Chandgad, Kolhapur district |
| Father | Late Narsingrao Gurunath Patil, former legislator |
| MLA term | 2019 – 2024 (Chandgad) |
| Current post | Chairman, Gokul Milk Union (elected 10 November 2026) |
| Known as | Trusted aide of Ajit Pawar and Hasan Mushrif |
Family Background
Rajesh Patil comes from a political family of Chandgad. His father, the late Narsingrao Gurunath Patil, was a prominent legislator from the area. Rajesh Patil built on that base in the hilly, border taluka of Chandgad near Karnataka and Goa.
Rajesh Patil as Chandgad MLA (2019 – 2024)
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election, Rajesh Patil won Chandgad on an NCP ticket with 55,558 votes, defeating independent Shivaji Patil by a narrow margin of around 4,400 votes. When the NCP split in 2023, he stayed with the Ajit Pawar faction.
In 2024 the result reversed. Shivaji Patil, a BJP rebel contesting as an independent, won Chandgad with 84,254 votes. Rajesh Patil, the sitting MLA, got 60,120 votes and lost by 24,134 votes.
Also Read: Gokul Chairman Election 2026: Rajesh Patil Wins 16-13
Entry into Gokul
In the Gokul board election of October 2026, Rajesh Patil won a director’s seat in the general group on the Mahayuti-backed Chhatrapati Shahu Shetkari Vikas Aghadi. When the NCP was given the first year of chairmanship under the Mahayuti formula, he emerged as the alliance’s candidate.
How Rajesh Patil Became Gokul Chairman
Satej Patil’s panel had 13 directors and Mahayuti 12, but neither could form the 14-member quorum alone. After a state ordinance, four government-nominated directors joined the board with voting rights. In the 10 November vote, Rajesh Patil got 16 votes against 13 for Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik announced his name.
Also Read: Gokul Nominated Directors 2026: Who Are the 4 Government Directors?
A First for Chandgad in 63 Years
Gokul started in 1963. Reports say Rajesh Patil’s election is the first time in 63 years that the chairmanship has gone to Chandgad taluka. In his first reaction he said, “Let us forget what happened,” appealed to all directors to work together, and promised to restore Gokul’s prestige and recover last year’s losses.
Challenges Before Rajesh Patil
- Court case: His win depends partly on four nominated votes kept in a separate ballot box until the High Court decides.
- Divided board: 13 of 25 elected directors belong to Satej Patil’s panel.
- Farmers’ trust: Milk price, payments and transparency for about 5.5 lakh milk producers.
- Short tenure: Under the Mahayuti formula, the NCP holds the post for the first year.
Also Read: Gokul Milk Union History: From 700 Litres to ₹4,185 Crore
Who Is Rajesh Patil? Gokul New Chairman Biography FAQ
Who is Rajesh Patil?
Rajesh Narsingrao Patil is a former NCP MLA from Chandgad in Kolhapur district who was elected chairman of the Gokul Milk Union on 10 November 2026.
Which party does Rajesh Patil belong to?
He belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar and is considered close to Ajit Pawar and minister Hasan Mushrif.
When was Rajesh Patil MLA of Chandgad?
He won Chandgad in 2019 and served until November 2024, when he lost to independent Shivaji Patil by 24,134 votes.
Who is Rajesh Patil’s father?
His father was the late Narsingrao Gurunath Patil, a prominent legislator from Chandgad.
How many votes did Rajesh Patil get in the Gokul chairman election?
He received 16 votes, against 13 for Shashikant Patil-Chuyekar of Satej Patil’s panel.