BENGALURU: After Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) increased milk prices by Rs 2 per sachet, the Opposition BJP continued its tirade against the State Government and demanded it reconsider its decision.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, insisted that they have not increased the price and are charging Rs 2 more for an additional 50 ml of milk, while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the decision was taken in the best interest of farmers and the hike should have been more.
Siddaramaiah said they have not increased the milk price and are charging Rs 2 for an additional 50 ml in the 500 ml packets. Since milk production has increased from 90 lakh litre to 99 lakh litre, the government has to procure milk, the CM said. It is not right for hoteliers to increase coffee and tea prices as milk prices are not increased, he said responding to a question.
Meanwhile, DyCM DK Shivakumar said that the price of milk has been hiked in the interest of farmers and opposition to it by the BJP only demonstrates its anti-farmer stance.
“BJP has once again demonstrated that it is anti-farmer by opposing the milk price hike. A hike of Rs 2 per litre has been done to benefit the farmers. The quantity of milk has also been increased proportionately. Price hike should not be politicised... the decision has been taken as input costs for farmers have gone up,” he said.
"Maintaining that the price of milk in the state is still lower than in other states, the DyCM said that in his opinion, prices should have been hiked some more as farmers are in distress and are selling their cattle. “Let them check the prices of milk in other states and then talk about this,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka said CM Siddarmaiah has become a laughing stock by repeatedly claiming that milk prices have not been increased.
The BJP leader said if milk production has increased, the government should work to increase the market for KMF products. Milk powder, ice cream, sweets, and other products should be marketed in other states, and even exported to other countries, he said. “What is the logic in adding 50 ml more to 500 ml packet and burdening people,” he questioned.
“Who had requested the government to add 50 ml more? It is an anti-people decision,” said BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar. He urged the State Government to withdraw the decision.