BJP turns Nandini row into opportunity, vows free milk to BPL people

For over four months, the controversy around Nandini milk kept hogging the headlines in Karnataka. Now, ruling BJP has turned it into an opportunity to woo the voters.

A statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mandya in December gave a solid opportunity for Congress and JDS to target the BJP to build a 'North vs South' narrative ahead of Assembly elections.

In December, Shah had announced that Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)'s 'Amul' and Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF)'s 'Nandini' would work jointly to set up primary diaries in every village of Karnataka in three years.

The statement was met with criticism after some vested interests went on to claim that Amul is trying to "root out" Nandini and thus undermining the Kannadiga identity and culture. The Opposition misinterpreted his statement stating that it is "a ploy to merge Nandini with Amul."

The issue was reignited after Amul announced its entry into the fresh dairy market in Bengaluru on April 5. The opposition parties got a fresh opportunity to corner the BJP and started online campaigns using hashtags like #GoBackAmul, #SaveNandini.

Especially Congress used the opportunity to gain political mileage despite the BJP clearing that it had no plans on merging India's two leading dairy products brand. Party leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramiah and D.K. Shivakumar went to the extent of buying Nandini products at an outlet during an election rally.

BJP's smart move

In a smart move to send a message to Kannadigas that it stands with home-grown Nandini, BJP has announced in its election manifesto that Nandini milk will be distributed free to BPL families. It has promised half litre milk to the BPL families if it comes back to power. BJP has thus put the Congress and JDS on backfoot now.

It is interesting to see how Congress responds to the development even as it is prepping up to release its manifesto tomorrow.

The single-phase election for 224 Assembly seats in Karnataka will be held on May 10. The results will be declared on May 13.