BJP Criticizes Karnataka Government for Milk Price Increase
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized the state's government for increasing milk prices by Rs 4 per litre, claiming it places an undue burden on citizens. The move has been described as a blatant attack on the common man's finances, with calls for the government to reconsider its decision.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka BJP criticizes the government's milk price hike.
- BJP leaders describe the increase as an attack on the common man.
- Milk prices have risen for the third time in 20 months.
- The new price will impact households across Karnataka.
- The government defends the hike as a benefit to milk producers.
Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has condemned the recent increase in milk prices by Rs 4 per litre, labeling it as “a blatant attack” on the finances of the average citizen, describing it as “daylight robbery”.
The new pricing will be implemented starting April 1.
“With a depleted treasury, it appears that the Congress-led administration is resorting to price hikes as its sole means of survival. I urge the government to reverse the milk price increase, as it will impact every household,” stated state BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra.
He asserted that the Congress government, which is already struggling to uphold its five guarantees, has consistently imposed the burden of rising costs on the public since taking office.
According to him, as citizens are grappling with the escalating costs of drinking water, electricity, transportation, and essential goods, the government has once again raised milk prices for the second time since taking power, further intensifying the financial pressure on the populace.
“The decision to hike milk prices by Rs 4 is a direct assault on the common man's pocket, akin to daylight robbery. Instead of taking this opportunity to offer better prices and incentives to farmers reliant on dairy farming, the government is shifting the financial burden onto the public under the pretense of aiding farmers. This method—giving with one hand while taking with the other—represents a deeply flawed policy,” he noted.
He emphasized that a responsible and effective government should support farmers while also protecting public interests.
“Regrettably, the Congress government lacks both the capability and intention to do so. Despite ongoing protests by the BJP against the Congress government's anti-people policies, the administration remains unresponsive to public discontent. The government seems to have little left to offer apart from internal power struggles,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Karnataka's Opposition Leader R. Ashoka pointed out that the milk price has been raised for the third consecutive time by the Congress-led administration.
“Since taking office, Siddaramaiah has raised milk prices three times in just 20 months—a total increase of Rs 9. In August 2023, the price went up by Rs 3, followed by a Rs 2 hike in June 2024. Now, once again, there’s a sudden Rs 4 increase,” Ashoka stated.
He mentioned that the poor and middle-class citizens of the state are already feeling the strain of increasing fuel prices and soaring costs of essential goods.
“At this moment, raising milk prices again is akin to rubbing salt in their wounds. If there’s any concern for the poor and middle class, the government should immediately withdraw the order to increase milk prices. If passing some costs to consumers is unavoidable, ensure that the entire Rs 4 increase directly benefits milk producers,” he demanded.
The Siddaramaiah administration announced on Thursday that the price of Nandini milk, provided by the Karnataka Milk Federation, would rise by Rs 4 per litre, after considering requests from the KMF and farmers’ organizations.
This substantial price hike arrives just ahead of the Ugadi festival, which is celebrated throughout Karnataka with much enthusiasm on March 30. Consequently, the prices of coffee, tea, and all milk products in restaurants and sweet shops are expected to increase significantly.
Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna, in defense of the price increase, claimed that all additional funds would go to milk producers and that the decision was made in the interest of farmers, not for profit.
“Although customers may feel the financial impact, they should cooperate knowing their funds will reach farmers,” he asserted.
The widely popular one-litre blue packet of Nandini milk will now retail at Rs 48, up from Rs 44. The price of curd will also increase by Rs 4. Milk producers who previously received Rs 31.68 per litre will now earn Rs 35.68 from the KMF.
In response to a question, Minister Rajanna maintained that the government does not possess the means to provide funds for milk producers independently.
The Karnataka government had previously revised milk prices in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, which included an additional 50 ml of milk per packet, leading to criticism. Now, the decision has been made to retract the additional 50 ml of milk.
