Bengaluru: The tussle for dominance between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, has now spilled over into Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) elections, with both camps aggressively lobbying for control over the politically significant dairy cooperative.
As per the federation’s bylaws, the presidents of 16 milk unions in the state form the board of directors, which elects the chairman. Currently, elections are pending only for Bengaluru (Bamul) and Kolar (Komul) unions, after which the chairman election will follow.
Traditionally, the governing party avoids a contest for the post, with the CM nominating the president because of the party’s majority on the board. Congress-backed candidates have won 13 of 14 union president posts. The lone exception is Hassan union, where JD(S) veteran HD Revanna retained his position.
Siddaramaiah is backing incumbent chairman LBP Bheema Naik for another term, while Shivakumar’s group is lobbying hard for his brother and former MP DK Suresh to be named president. Control over KMF is considered crucial to consolidate rural votes, especially among Vokkaligas, as the federation has around 25 lakh milk producers as members. This is significant considering that the governing Congress is likely to hold zilla and taluk panchayat polls later this year.
JD(S) previously leveraged KMF’s influence under Revanna’s long-standing leadership to maintain a stronghold over the Vokkaliga votebank, and now Shivakumar’s camp is keen to take over.
“We want Suresh to helm KMF, as his presence would strengthen the organisation’s scope apart from ensuring justice to milk producers. While he is yet to make up his mind, we have requested Shivakumar to convince his brother,” said HS Rajkumar, outgoing Bamul president.
In Siddaramaiah’s camp, Naik is facing competition from Malur MLA KY Nanje Gowda. Naik was appointed chairman in 2023, midway through the previous tenure, replacing BJP’s Balachandra Jarkiholi. Now, he is seeking a full five-year term. “The chief minister knows that I could not get a full term, and I request him to give me another opportunity. I hope he will oblige,” said Naik.
Parallelly, a hike in Nandini milk prices appears imminent, marking the second increase since June last year, when rates were raised by Rs 2 per litre. Siddaramaiah is reportedly in favour of KMF’s proposal to hike prices again, with federation officials optimistic about securing govt approval before the legislature session begins on March 3. While KMF has sought a Rs 5 per litre hike, authorities expect a minimum increase of Rs 2 per litre.
On the proposed milk price hike, Naik said the issue has been discussed with the CM . “We will meet him again soon, as we want a price hike before commencement of the legislature session. I am confident the CM will approve it, as it would benefit milk producers,” Naik said.
