An interesting controversy has developed in the South Indian state of Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections. A milk brand named Nandini, which is very popular in the south, especially in Karnataka, has become the center of a political conflict. Nandini deals in milk and milk products in south Indian states and is seen as a regional rival to Amul. With strong sentiments attached to local businesses, voters in Karnataka see Nandini as their preferred brand. Conversely, Amul is seen as an outsider trying to cut into the profits of local businesses. The perception of a predatory, all-consuming behemoth follows Amul in Karnataka and seems hard to shake off.
With the introduction of Amul in Bengaluru by the Gujrat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, quick commerce platforms can now sell its milk and curd products. This has received widespread criticism from citizens and congress leaders, who have said that it hurts the interests of the Karnataka Milk Federation, which owns Nandini. Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Siddaramiah have been the most vocal. Shivakumar stated that Nandini was a decidedly better brand and there was no need for Amul. Karnataka milk farmers have also received the support of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotel’s Association, which has decided to boycott Amul completely.
In an amusing turn of events, it seems like the Karnataka elections will be decided by milk. If the BJP wants to keep power in the state it would have to take popular sentiments into consideration. In failing to do so, they might take a sizable hit to their vote bank in the state.
Congress’s show of force in Jalandhar following the departure of Sushil Kumar Rinku