Nandini vs Amul: #SaveNandini and #GobackAmul hashtags have flooded the internet with Amul formally entering the markets in poll-bound Karnataka. The promos launched by the Gujarat-based dairy cooperative on social media have raised the hackles of some sections of Kannadigas.
In a setback to the milk giant, the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association has taken a decision to use only Nandini milk to “support the state’s (dairy).”
Cong, BJP engage in war of words
On another front, a war of words broke out between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress and JD(S) on Saturday over the “threat” to Karnataka Milk Federation’s famed dairy brand ‘Nandini’ following Amul’s entry.
In a social media blitzkrieg, Amul tweeted three days ago: “A new wave of freshness with milk and curd is coming to Bengaluru. More information coming soon. #LaunchAlert. From Kengeri to Whitefield, wishing everyone a Taaza day.”
No Gujarat model please
Karnataka’s Congress chief was quick to wade into the controversy: Talking to the media he said: “We want our rights, our land, our soil, our water and our milk to be protected. We don’t want the Gujarat model. We have a Karnataka model here.”
While opposition parties were quick to point out that the BJP government was out to finish Nandini, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai defensively countered that the government is clear on the issue of Amul.
Meanwhile, a statement from Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association read: “We are all proud of Karnataka’s Nandini milk produced by our farmers and it should be encouraged. In our city, clean and delicious coffee stands as the backbone of snacks. And we encourage it with great pride. It is being heard that milk from other states is being shipped to Karnataka recently. We are all for Nandini,”
‘Pledge not to buy Amul products’
On Friday, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “all Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products”.
“All Kannadigas have to unanimously resist the usurpation of the KMF, which has been built for the welfare of the farmers of the country. All Kannadigas should pledge not to buy Amul products”, Siddaramaiah added.
Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) leader alleged that Amul has this ‘bad thinking’ to finish off its lone competitor, Nandini, in Karnataka itself.
“One nation, one Amul, one milk and one Gujarat’ has become the official policy of the Central government. Hence, Amul is strangulating KMF by standing in its support,” Kumaraswamy thundered.
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