After backlash, Karnataka Milk Federation slashes prices of curd, buttermilk, lassi

BENGALURU: A day after revising the prices of curd and lassi to adjust to the GST council’s decision to levy a 5% tax on dairy products, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Monday slashed prices owing to intense backlash from the public and opposition parties.
While the cooperative major, which markets dairy products under the brand name ‘Nandini’, had hiked the prices by Rs 2 to 3, it has slashed prices by 50 paise to Rs 1.50 on a variety of products.
In a statement to the media, KMF said, “Keeping in mind the interest of the customers, the KMF has yet again revised the prices of Nandini curd, lassi and buttermilk effective from 19 July. Accordingly, the cost of a 200-gram curd pouch that was hiked from Rs 10 to Rs 12 will now be sold at Rs 10.50. Similarly, the 500 gms of curd pouch which was hiked by Rs 2 will now be sold at Rs 23.”
Susheela Rai, a resident of Anjanapura Main Road and a homemaker said, “Already we are reeling under inflation and prices of almost all products have gone up considerably. Even in the month of Ashada, during which the prices will be at the lowest, the prices of vegetables and fruits have shot up considerably. Now, rubbing salt on the wound, the centre has hiked tax on dairy products. What should people eat?”
In the meantime, citizens and leaders from the opposition came down heavily on the centre and state governments for imposing taxes on dairy products. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah lashed out at the centre and Finance minister Nirmala Seetharaman.
“Initially there was no tax on curds, buttermilk, lassi and paneer. But now they have hiked it to 5 per cent. Similarly, they have levied taxes on other food products and farmers' produce. Is this the part of Achhe Din that the BJP had promised? Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai is part of the GST council, and he should have conveyed the public sentiment to the centre," leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah lashed out at the centre,” Siddaramaiah said.