Amul’s Bengaluru Metro Entry: DKS Says Will Restrict To 2 Stations As Nandini Becomes Boiling Issue

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 14:19 IST

The BJP and JDS highlighted what they called "double standards" of the Congress, which held the ‘Save Nandini’ campaign ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections

Amul has started its kiosk at Baiyappanahalli station. (News18)

A recent agreement allowing Amul kiosks to operate at 10 Bengaluru Metro stations has ignited a fierce political debate, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Congress government of hypocrisy and neglecting the interests of Karnataka’s beloved Nandini milk brand.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) recently inked a license agreement with the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul) to establish retail points at prominent metro stations, including Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Majestic, Jayanagar, and Banashankari. These kiosks are slated to offer Amul’s full range of dairy products, chocolates, snacks, organic items, and edible oils, aiming to enhance commuter convenience.

Amul has started its kiosk at Baiyappanahalli station.

WHAT DEPUTY CM DK SHIVAKUMAR SAID

Amid the mounting pressure to safeguard Nandini’s market, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that BMRCL had initially issued a global tender, which KMF (Karnataka Milk Federation, producers of Nandini) had not participated in, leading to Amul’s successful bid for 10 locations. However, Shivakumar added, “Now, at 8 places, we will give it to KMF. I have instructed them to apply and they will be given. Amul has opened at 2 places already. It won’t be right to close it down. It was a global tender."

THE CRITICISM OVER OUTSIDER AMUL

However, this move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal Secular (JDS), who are highlighting a perceived double standard from the Congress, which vigorously championed the ‘Save Nandini’ campaign ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. At that time, the Congress had falsely accused the BJP of favouring “outsiders" over local brands.

BJP MP PC Mohan slammed the current administration, stating, “Ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections, the Congress falsely accused BJP of favouring outsiders. But now, the same Congress government, which oversees BMRCL’s operations and maintenance, has enabled Amul kiosks at 10 Metro stations to displace Nandini. A classic case of hypocrisy."

Echoing this sentiment, the JDS criticised Shivakumar, alleging he had “sold his self-respect."

“Before polls, he claimed Kannadiga pride isn’t for sale – now, milk products from other states are allowed at 10+ metro stations, sidelining Nandini. Congress has failed to protect it," the JDS statement read.

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...Read More

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...

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News politics Amul’s Bengaluru Metro Entry: DKS Says Will Restrict To 2 Stations As Nandini Becomes Boiling Issue