Politics over Milk in MP: Concerns Raised Over Alleged Takeover of 'Sanchi' Brand by 'Amul': What BJP Said in Response to Vivek Tankha's Allegation?

Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha has expressed serious concerns regarding the purported covert takeover of Madhya Pradesh's renowned milk production brand 'Sanchi' by Gujarat's prominent dairy brand 'Amul.' Through a series of social media posts, Tankha, a legal expert and Congress politician, highlighted a previous similar attempt involving Karnataka's 'Nandini' brand. He accused the Madhya Pradesh government of succumbing to external pressures, potentially jeopardizing the interests of its 7.5 crore citizens, for whom Sanchi is a trusted household name.

Tankha stated, "The MP government may kneel down, but the 7.5 crore people of MP, for whom Sanchi is a household brand, will protest." He emphasized, "Sanchi is a brand of MP, just like Amul is a brand of Gujarat. Sanchi is being taken over through the back door. Amul has been trying to expand in Madhya Pradesh for a long time; it even set up a big plant but was not able to find a way. MP government, don't kneel down."

BJP's Response to Allegations

In response to Tankha's assertions, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Madhya Pradesh media in-charge, Ashish Agarwal, dismissed the claims and accused Tankha of spreading misinformation. Agarwal remarked on social media: "Mr. Tankha ji, do not defame Madhya Pradesh like Mr. Jeetu Patwari and other Congressmen due to your lack of knowledge. The National Dairy Development Board is an undertaking of the Government of India, which has been tasked with the operation and efficient management of Sanchi; there is no mention of Amul anywhere in it."

He clarified that the decision pertains to transferring the management of Sanchi to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for modernization and enhanced production, rather than a direct takeover by Amul. Agarwal emphasized that the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is committed to elevating Madhya Pradesh to a leading position in milk production, moving up from its current third place in the country.

Govt's Stance and Future Plans for Dairy Development

The Madhya Pradesh government issued a press statement detailing Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav's review of the state's dairy development strategy, which includes initiatives to boost milk production and the operations of the Sanchi Milk Union. The meeting featured key figures such as Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Government of India, and Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of the NDDB.

The government’s announcement indicated that the management and operation of the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Dairy Federation, along with its associated milk unions, will be handed over to the NDDB for the next five years. Legal actions and necessary approvals are to be secured for this purpose. Chief Minister Yadav explained that this initiative aims to position Madhya Pradesh as a leader in milk production, thereby enhancing the income of farmers and cattle keepers. Amendments to the Cooperative Act may also be considered to facilitate these changes.

MP's Ambitious Goals for Milk Production

Chief Minister Yadav noted that Madhya Pradesh currently ranks third in the country in milk production, following Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with a daily output of 5.5 crore liters. He said that the state’s per capita milk availability of 644 grams per day is significantly higher than the national average of 459 grams per day. The government aims to double milk production in the next five years by strengthening the cooperative movement and providing greater benefits to farmers and cattle rearers.

The National Dairy Development Board also presented an initial plan outlining strategies to enhance milk production and collection processes in Madhya Pradesh.

The ongoing dispute between the Congress and the BJP regarding the management of the Sanchi brand reflects broader political and economic tensions in Madhya Pradesh. While the BJP defends its decision as a strategic move for modernization and increased productivity, the Congress warns against the potential undermining of a local brand by external entities. As the situation evolves, the response of Madhya Pradesh’s citizens and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the future of the state's dairy industry.