Amul Vs Nandini: Dairy Politics Resurfaces In Karnataka-Here's What You Need To Know

Amid a row over the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) permitting dairy giant Amul to set up kiosks at Metro stations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarified that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has now been directed to begin the process of establishing Nandini outlets at these locations.

His statement follows backlash from various groups, who accused the state government of favouring Amul over the homegrown Nandini brand.

"The KMF has been instructed to submit an application to BMRCL to open Nandini outlets at eight Metro stations," he told reporters here. BMRCL had issued a global tender and Amul was the sole applicant. We have now directed KMF to apply as well. KMF will open Nandini outlets in eight Metro stations. Amul has already opened outlets at two stations. It is not appropriate to shut down existing ones. We've asked BMRCL to allow Nandini outlets at the remaining stations," (sic.) the Deputy Chief Minister said, as quoted by PTI.

A BMRCL official told PTI that Amul currently operates outlets at Benniganahalli and Byappanahalli Metro stations. Additional outlets are planned at Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Trinity Circle, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Jayanagara, Majestic, National College, and Banashankari stations. The official added that Nandini had previously opened outlets at MG Road, Mahalakshmi, and Vijayanagar stations. Of these, only the Vijayanagar outlet remains operational.

The development has once again sparked debate over the presence of Amul versus KMF’s flagship brand, Nandini. Tensions initially flared in December 2022 after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited KMF facilities in Mandya, raising concerns among farmers and political parties about Amul’s potential expansion at Nandini’s expense. During his visit, Shah had advocated for collaboration between Amul and KMF, proposing that joint efforts could establish primary dairies in every village within three years. He also suggested Amul could offer technical support to Nandini.

(With PTI inputs)

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