Minister questions BJP over protests against milk price hike
Shivamogga District in-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa questioned the motive behind BJP protests against rising milk prices.
Shivamogga District in-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa questioned the reason for the BJP's protest against the milk price hike on Saturday, according to the Deccan Herald. He asked if the party was protesting against farmers, noting that milk producers receive Rs 7 per litre from the increase.
The Minister stated that BJP leaders are unhappy that farmers would benefit from the hike. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the move, saying the hike was inevitable to protect farmers during a drought. Shivakumar added that milk prices in Karnataka remain the lowest in the country and have not been increased for a decade.
In Davanagere, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced that the party will launch statewide protests against the increase in milk and curd prices. Vijayendra said the milk price has increased by Rs 8 per litre and accused the Congress-led government of burdening consumers to help farmers.
Vijayendra alleged that the state government should have increased subsidies to bear the additional expenditure instead of passing it to the public. He also claimed that approximately Rs 1,700 crore in subsidies payable to milk producers remains pending.
Regarding sugarcane farmers, the Chief Minister said the Centre must announce a minimum support price so the State government can assist. Vijayendra criticised the state's handling of sugarcane growers and urged the government to make sincere efforts to address their concerns.