New Delhi/Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai on Saturday said opposition parties are playing politics over the sale of Amul products in the state.
“Brand Nandini will become a number one in the country, but there must not be any politics regarding Amul. Nandini products are sold in other states, and all steps will be taken to overtake Amul in the competitive market,” he told reporters here.
The statement comes in the wake of opposition parties urging the people of the state to oppose the sale of Amul products in the state as they said it would affect the interests of Karnataka Milk Federation and farmers in the state.
Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said, in Bengaluru, that Amul is a threat to Nandini and is an insult to the homegrown brand Nandini.
Nandini remains the most-preferred brand in the market despite 18 different brands being sold in Karnataka. It is due to its high-quality products, he added.
“Former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa for the first time gave a subsidy of Rs 2 per litre to farmers. Now that is increased to Rs 5. If any government has supported our farmers and Nandini the most, it is the BJP government,” the minister said. Nandini is ready to face any competition, he added.
“Nandini’s products are also being sold abroad. Nandini milk is also being sold in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Our Nandini milk is being supplied to the armed forces. Our Nandini Ghee is also used in Tirupati’s Laddu Prasad. Congress is doing politics in everything and shedding crocodile tears for farmers,” he said.
Karnataka Congress has launched an anti-Amul campaign against sale of its products in the state. Siddaramaiah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are set to ‘close down’ Nandini brand, which provides bread to Karnataka farmers.
Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar alleged that the aim of promoting Amul in Karnataka is to finish the Nandini brand.
JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy asked the people of the state to oppose the sale of Amul products in Karnataka. He claimed that Amul is being imposed on the state.
