KMF's 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 turn down by the state government as it feared that it would adversely affect 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 on the necessity to raise the milk prices in the wake of increase in fuel rices, 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 justified, he claimed.

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

He said the prices of animal feed had gone up by Rs 1,000 per tonne 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 was trying to safeguard the party's interests,'' he alleged.

He said the prices of milk was in the state was lowest 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 ranged between Rs 14 to Rs 22.

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