Is BJP Right to Question Karnataka's Rs 6.5 Crore Deal with Tamannaah Bhatia?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The appointment of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Karnataka's Mysore Sandal soap has stirred political controversy. The BJP criticizes the Congress government for the hefty investment of Rs 6.5 crore, claiming it won't yield the expected profits. This article delves into the implications of this decision and the responses from both political factions.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government invested Rs 6.5 crore in actress Tamannaah Bhatia's brand ambassadorship.
- BJP questions profitability of the investment, predicting losses.
- Congress defends decision as a business initiative.
- Historical context from 1916 adds weight to the discussion.
- Political implications are significant for both parties.
Bengaluru, May 27 (NationPress) The ongoing political battle in Karnataka has intensified over the selection of renowned actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for a government-owned enterprise. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday, arguing that the Congress government won't generate even Rs 60 lakh in profit after investing Rs 6.5 crore to hire the actress.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka government has chosen Tamannaah Bhatia to represent the well-known Mysore Sandal soap, which is produced by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL).
The actress has received a fee of Rs 6.2 crore for the promotional campaign.
This decision has sparked controversy, with objections raised by Kannada organizations and the BJP.
During a press conference, State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the government's rationale, stating, "Decisions are made at whims and fancies. The government must clarify whether appointing Tamannaah Bhatia as a brand ambassador serves the interests of the state or certain politicians' interests."
"There is an ongoing discussion regarding the appointment of a brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap. This is a significant matter, rooted in a historic decision made by the Maharajas in 1916 to establish the industry," he added.
The Maharaja of Mysuru previously made several pivotal decisions to set up industries throughout the state.
"If the state government decides to appoint Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador based on a few so-called experts' recommendations, shouldn’t they at least consider the implications?" questioned Vijayendra.
"I challenge those investing Rs 6.5 crore in Tamannaah Bhatia’s appointment as brand ambassador to check the financial records next year; they likely won’t even achieve a profit of Rs 60 lakh in a year. If they are investing Rs 6.5 crore, the state government should aim for a profit of Rs 60 crore,” he further emphasized.
When questioned about choosing Tamannaah Bhatia as a model for Mysore Sandal soap, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, "I will consult with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and State Industries Minister M.B. Patil regarding this. Similar discussions took place previously, involving Kannada superstar late Puneet Rajkumar and actress Ramya. We are also considering having cricketer Anil Kumble as an ambassador for the State Forest Department."
The Congress-led government defended the decision on Monday, asserting that appointing Tamannaah Bhatia was purely a business decision.
Responding to BJP's criticism, State Industries Minister M.B. Patil remarked, "In light of Tamannaah Bhatia's appointment as KSDL’s brand ambassador, BJP leaders are making loud statements. However, where were they during the significant scams under Madal Virupakshappa during the BJP regime?"
Minister Patil reiterated that the decision was made based on business considerations, stating, "An expert committee evaluated multiple factors before concluding. Other celebrities were also considered, but they were under contracts with competing brands."
Patil also criticized BJP leaders for their recent comments about preserving KSDL's legacy, questioning their silence during irregularities when the BJP was in power in Karnataka.
He concluded by highlighting that since the Congress government assumed office, proactive measures have been implemented to enhance KSDL’s operations.
Point of View
I believe it's crucial to present an unbiased perspective on this developing story. The debate surrounding Tamannaah Bhatia's appointment reflects broader issues of transparency and accountability in government spending. Both parties have valid points; the BJP's concerns about profitability and the Congress's defense of business decisions highlight the complexities of political maneuvering in Karnataka.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding Tamannaah Bhatia's appointment?
The controversy revolves around the Karnataka government's decision to pay Rs 6.5 crore to actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal soap, with the BJP questioning the profitability of this investment.
How much is Tamannaah Bhatia being paid?
Tamannaah Bhatia has been paid Rs 6.2 crore for her role as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited.
What did the BJP say about the deal?
The BJP criticized the Congress government, asserting that the investment won't yield even Rs 60 lakh in profit, and questioned the decision-making process behind appointing the actress.
How has the Congress government responded?
The Congress government defended the appointment, stating it was made purely on business grounds, emphasizing that an expert committee evaluated various factors before making this decision.
What historical significance does Mysore Sandal soap hold?
Mysore Sandal soap's establishment dates back to decisions made by the Maharaja of Mysuru in 1916, which were pivotal in setting up the soap industry in Karnataka.
