Karnataka: BJP slams Congress over transfer of KMF MD, delay in Nandini idli & dosa batter launch

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with former KMF Managing Director MK Jagadish, KMF Chairman, and Congress leader LBP Bheema Naik during an event in New Delhi.

Hours after Moneycontrol reported that Karnataka’s flagship dairy brand Nandini had delayed the launch of its whey-based idli and dosa batter in Bengaluru following the transfer of its managing director MK Jagadish, who was spearheading the initiative, the BJP on December 5 questioned the government's move, wondering if vested interests were at work.

Also read: Karnataka: Nandini puts whey-based idli & dosa batter launch in Bengaluru on backburner

"The sudden transfer of the efficient KMF MD MK Jagadish, who was actively expanding the Nandini brand with high-demand products like ready-made idli-dosa batter and whey protein, raises doubts. Are vested interests influencing this decision? Has the government caved to private companies’ demands to prevent these products from reaching the market," BJP leader R Ashoka posted on the X platform.

KMF is short for Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited which markets products under the Nandini brand. Ashoka also the cooperation minister KN Rajanna if Jagadish's transfer would impact Nandini’s upcoming product launches.

State BJP chief BY Vijayendra, too, took to Twitter to slam the move. "The same Congress that created a fake narrative about Amul taking over Nandini is now destroying it from within! Under CM Siddaramaiah and DCM Shivakumar, the abrupt transfer of MK Jagadish sabotages innovative products like idli-dosa batter to favour private brands. Karnataka’s pride, Nandini, is being compromised for vested interests. The people deserve answers," he said.

The Nandini BetrayalThe same @INCKarnataka that spun a fake narrative about Amul taking over Nandini has now come to power-and is destroying Nandini from within!KMF MD MK Jagadish, the driving force behind Nandini's success, was abruptly transferred ahead of the launch of pic.twitter.com/zXbW0Q8MEv Office of BY Vijayendra (@OfficeofBYV) December 5, 2024

Also, read: Karnataka's Nandini ready to launch idli & dosa batter in Bengaluru

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his April 2023 visit to Karnataka, called Nandini “Karnataka’s pride” and endorsed its products amid fears of a possible takeover by Gujarat’s Amul.

Sources said KMF chairman and Congress leader LBP Bheema Naik and Jagadish reportedly had differences over various issues. Both Naik and Jagadish were unavailable for comments.

Jagadish, known for his aggressive marketing strategies, expanded Nandini's reach beyond Karnataka, making it the central sponsor for ISL and Pro-Kabaddi tournaments.

Nandini also sponsored Scotland and Ireland's cricket teams for the T20 World Cup. Under his leadership, the brand launched fresh dairy products in New Delhi, opened Nandini Café Moo outlets in Dubai and resumed the supply of ghee to Tirupati.

Delayed product launch

KMF was to launch its idli-dosa batter in Bengaluru in October 2024 but it was moved to November 26 but now that, too, is on hold.

KMF entered New Delhi with fresh dairy offerings, taking on Mother Dairy and competing Amul. The federation also exports products to international markets, including the Middle East, Singapore, and the US.

Also read: MC Exclusive: Karnataka's Nandini to sponsor Scotland and Ireland cricket teams for T20 World Cup