According to sources, among the contenders are present president Kiritsinh Maharaul of Sankheda taluka and former president Narendra Patel alias Mukhi from Karkhadi of Padra taluka. Mukhi had held the post of president for about six years in the past, while Maharaul took over from him last year.

While former Vadodara (Rural) MLA Upendrasinh Gohil has also staked claim to the post of president, sources said that the present vice-president -- Suresh Patel of Shinor -- either wanted to be elevated to the post of president or continue as vice-president. Former MLA Karansinh Raj, Ganpatsinh Solanki and Udaysinh Bhaibawa (all directors) have also staked claim to the vice-presidency. The two posts are significant because the Dairy controls the milk supply to Vadodara city and neighbouring places. Besides, the posts are considered significant for anyone seeking to further his political career.

The 19-member Board of Directors has 15 elected members, 11 of whom belong to the Congress. The rest belong to individual parties.

While the registrar can cast his vote, the managing director, representative of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and federation of dairies cannot exercise their franchise.

Meanwhile, insiders said, District Congress president and Pavijetpur MLA Mohansinh Rathwa and Savli MLA Kuhmansinh Chauhan convened a meeting of the prospective candidates in the Narmada Guest House on Monday.

Though usually it is the party leaders who give the mandate, it is believed that at the meeting, every contender put up his case as to why he should be made president or vice-president. The names are likely to be finalised on Tuesday morning, sources added.