The entry of Amul, a Gujarat-based dairy giant, into the Karnataka market has caused a political controversy ahead of the state assembly elections. The Opposition parties, Congress and JD(S), have accused the ruling BJP of “looting” Karnataka, siding with the state’s own dairy brand, Nandini, which would face a threat from Amul. The BJP has accused the Congress of unleashing a “misinformation campaign” and asserted that it has done more than the opposition party to strengthen the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Nandini is the largest milk supplier in the state, accounting for more than 33 lakh litres per day in Bengaluru. The chief minister accused Congress and the JD(S) of politicising Amul’s entry. It seems like BJP spokesperson MG Mahesh is accusing the Congress and JD(S) of engaging in petty politics by opposing Amul’s entry into Karnataka and supporting the state’s own brand, Nandini. He further accuses Congress of being willing to accept products from China but not from India, and emphasizes the government’s role in not supporting any particular brand. He warns that if anything negative happens to farmers, Congress and JD(S) will be held responsible. It seems like Amit Shah’s statement about Gujarat and Karnataka working together for the welfare of milk-producing farmers was taken as a sign that Amul would be given preference over local Karnataka brands like Nandini. This led to a campaign to save Nandini and accusations that the Congress and JD(S) were not supporting local businesses.
