The government of Karnataka has been taken fire from opposition parties for allowing the Gujarat-based dairy giant Amul to establish kiosks at 10 Bengaluru metro stations. Both the BJP and the JDS have accused the reigning Congrestment Party of the neglect of the promotion of the flagship brand of the State -running Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), Nandini.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) approved the kiosks of Amul after a tendering process. However, opposition leaders claim that these 10 excellent retail spaces must be reserved for Nandini sales points to support local farmers and the dairy industry of the state.
Nandini versus Amul in Karnataka
The presence of Amul -Kiosks in Bengaluru Metro Stations has resumed the long -term rivalry between Amul and KMF's Nandini brand. The dispute increased in December 2022 after the visit of the Minister of the Interior Amit Shah at KMF facilities in Mandya, which expressed concern among farmers and political groups about the growing footprint of Amul that possibly undermines Nandini's market share.
During his visit, Amit Shah argued for cooperation between Amul and KMF, which suggests that joint efforts could establish primary dairy factories in every village within three years. He also hinted at Amul that offered Nandini technical support to strengthen the dairy sector of the state.
Amul sales points at Bengaluru Metro Stations
A BMRCL team officer confirmed to PTI that Amul is currently operating kiosks in Benniganahalli and byappanahalli Metro stations, with plans to open extra points of sale at Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Trinity Circle, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Jayanagara.
The official noted that Nandini had previously opened outlets on MG Road, Mahalakshmi and Vijayanagar stations, but only the Vijayanagar outlet remains operational. “For us, both Nandini and Amul are the same. The person who pays the rent may work,” the official added.
BJP, JDS spreads on Congress GOVT in Karnataka
The Janata Dal (secular), once an ally of the congress, launched a destructive attack on the ruling party and Deputy Prime Minister DK Shivakumar via a long post on X, using the hashtag #savenandini in Kannada.
The JDS accused Shivakumar of it “his self -respect for the sake of the committee” and criticized the congress for operating the Nandini brand during the 2023 elections to leave it afterwards.
“Before bragging the elections DK that the self -respect of Kannadigas is not for sale … Today he put an end to milk products for people from other states because of the committee,” the JDS said.
“More than 10 metro stations in Bengaluru have been allowed to sell milk products from outside the state. The Congress used the Nandini brand, the pride of our farmers and all the Kannadigas, for the promotion, (s) forgot it after the elections,” the party added.
BJP MP PC Mohan also criticized the congress and accused it of hypocrisy. “Prior to the Karnataka meeting of 2023, the BJP congress wrongly accused the favoring of outsiders. But now the same congress government, which supervises the activities and maintenance of BMRCL, is able to move at 10 metro stations to move Nandini.” He said.
DK Shivakumar insures Nandini stores at Bengaluru Metro Stations
In response to the controversy, the Vice -Minister -President DK Shivakumar of Karnataka that the Karnataka Milk Federation is instructed to initiate the process of opening Nandini sales points on eight metro stations.
“The KMF has been instructed to submit a request to BMRCL to open Nandini sales points at eight metro stations,” Shivakumar told reporters. “BMRCL had issued a global tender and Amul was the only applicant. We have now instructed KMF to apply for it. KMF will open Nandini sales points in eight metro stations.”
He added: “Amul has already opened outputs at two stations. It is not appropriate to close existing. We asked BMRCL to allow Nandini sales points at the remaining stations.”
