Karnataka LoP accuses Congress government of blackmailing farmers over milk price hike
Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claims the government is cheating consumers and farmers following the Nandini milk price increase.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of blackmailing and cheating both farmers and consumers. According to reports from ANI and The News Mill, the criticism follows a decision by the Karnataka Cabinet to increase the retail price of Nandini milk by Rs 8 per litre.
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced the price hike, which the government stated is intended to support local dairy farmers. The administration said that of the increase, Rs 7 will be provided to milk producers and Re 1 will be allocated to primary dairy cooperative societies. This move comes after milk production in the state fell by nearly 10 lakh litres due to drought conditions.
Narayanaswamy, a BJP leader, alleged that the actual burden on consumers is a Rs 13 increase. He further claimed the government failed to meet its manifesto promise of a Rs 7 subsidy for farmers, noting that the previous BJP government had provided a Rs 5 subsidy.
The price hike has also impacted Bengaluru businesses. The New Indian Express reported that hotels and tea shops have raised the cost of tea and coffee by Rs 3 to Rs 5. PC Rao, honorary president of the Bengaluru Hotels Association, noted that milk prices rose by Rs 8 per litre while curd prices increased by Rs 14.
The opposition has announced plans to stage protests across the state in response to the price increase.
