BJP Mahila Morcha protests milk price hike in Bengaluru
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and other leaders were detained during a protest against rising costs in Karnataka.
The BJP Mahila Morcha staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Monday against milk price increases by the Karnataka Congress government. During the demonstration, police detained Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and other leaders as protesters attempted to march with milk cans and placards.
According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, the Karnataka Cabinet decided on Thursday to increase Nandini brand milk prices by Rs 8 per litre. This hike, which took effect on November 1, includes Rs 7 for farmers and Rs 1 for the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The KMF also raised curd prices by Rs 14 a litre and certain milk varieties by up to Rs 12.
Addressing the gathering, Karandlaje alleged that the state administration has deteriorated and claimed that Rs 5,000 crore from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme is missing. She also stated that the government is providing inadequate drought relief to farmers and noted that transport corporations lack funds for diesel and repairs.
Former MLC Bharathi Shetty also spoke at the protest, stating that the BJP Mahila Morcha will organise demonstrations in every district, mandal, and ward. She argued that while the government cited an Rs 8 increase, the cumulative rise reaches Rs 12 per litre.
State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said on Saturday in Davanagere that the party will launch statewide protests. He alleged that approximately Rs 1,700 crore in subsidies for milk producers remains unpaid and accused the government of burdening consumers instead of increasing subsidies.