Mohan’s condemnation of the Congress government comes with accusations of hypocrisy. He pointedly recalled that during the recent Karnataka Assembly elections, the Congress had vehemently accused the BJP of favoring “outsiders” when it came to local industries. Now, Mohan argues, the Congress is exhibiting the very same behavior by seemingly prioritizing Gujarat-based Amul over Karnataka’s own well-established Nandini dairy cooperative, sparking a heated debate on state support for local agribusiness.

The root of the controversy lies in the announcement by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) of an agreement to allow Amul to set up retail points within Metro premises. This move is perceived by critics, including MP Mohan, as a direct threat to Nandini’s market presence and an affront to the state’s dairy farmers. Such developments are closely watched by the international dairy community for insights into market access strategies and localized competition.

In response to the backlash, the BMRCL has defended its decision, characterizing the establishment of Amul kiosks as a “commuter-friendly initiative.” They assert that the aim is to provide Metro users with convenient access to trusted dairy products within the station environment. However, this explanation has done little to quell the political and public outcry, which emphasizes the perceived displacement of the popular local brand.