KMF move to hike milk prices assumes political colour

Bangalore, Aug 17 (UNI) The Rs two per litre hike in milk prices mooted by the Karnataka Milk Federation, which was subsequently struck down by the BJP government, has assumed political dimensions.

The decision of the Federation, headed by Janata Dal(S) leader and former Minister H D Revanna, was yesterday struck down by the state government as it believed it would adversely affected the saffron party in the coming elections to the Bangalore city corporation and the Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to reporters here today, Mr Revanna said the Federation would 'convince' the state government over the necessity of the increase in milk prices in the wake of increase in the prices fuel, transportation, packaging material and animal feed supplied by it to the milk producers.

The 11 milk Unions were suffering losses ranging from 70 paise to Rs 1.80 per litre of milk and hike in prices was inevitable, he said.

Mr Revanna alleged that despite the 1989 'decision' that stipulated the state government not interfere in the administration of the KMF, the BJP government is trying to impose itself on the Federation for achieving its 'political interests'.

He said the prices of animal feed had increased by Rs 1000 per tone while the Milk unions were struggling to tackle the increase in input costs. "Instead of bringing down the prices of animal feed and help the milk producers, the BJP government is trying to safeguard the party's interests," he alleged.

He said the milk prices was still one of the lowest in the state compared to other parts of the country.

KMF has proposed to increase the milk prices by Rs two a litre for different varieties of milk which presently stood now ranging between Rs 14 to Rs 22.

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