Amul to set up kiosks in Bengaluru Metro, Opposition says Nandini sidelined
A new licensing agreement between the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Gujarat-based Amul has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with opposition voices accusing the Congress-led state government of sidelining the homegrown dairy brand, Nandini.According to BMRCL's newsletter published on June 16, ten Bengaluru Metro stations will soon host Amul kiosks. The stations include major stops like Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic), Indiranagar, Baiyappanahalli, Trinity, and Banashankari. The agreement is with the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), which owns Amul.advertisementThe development has led to sharp criticism from Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, who accused Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress government of betraying Kannada pride.
In a post on X, JD(S) alleged the government had 'sold self-respect for commission' and questioned why a brand from outside Karnataka was preferred over Nandini, run by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).Before the assembly elections in 2023, Congress leaders had campaigned on the slogan #SaveNandini, positioning the brand as a symbol of Kannada pride and a farmers' lifeline. The JD(S) has now accused the government of hypocrisy for allowing Amul outlets while neglecting the state's own dairy brand.In response, DK Shivakumar clarified that the allocation was the result of a global tender floated by BMRCL. 'Since the allocation was done through a tender, we cannot make changes now,' he said.advertisementThe milk war in Karnataka two years ago started with a tweet from Amul stating that Gujarat-based dairy giant will start online deliveries in Bengaluru. The announcement did not go down well with those associated with Nandini. They also see it as an attempt to trample upon KMF, amid speculation about its merger with Amul.The then Opposition, Congress and the JD(S) alleged that Amul's entry, backed by the BJP, would pose a threat to KMF's brand.Must Watch
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