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Sources in the Karnataka Milk Federation have told News18 that the ousted MD was in the advanced stage of launching the Nandini brand idly and dosa instant batter, which was strangely opposed by KMF chairman Bheema Naik, who is a Congress leader close to chief minister…Read More
The BJP has now alleged that Bheema Naik and the Congress are trying to help iD Fresh, the market leader in the instant dosa batter segment, and that is why Nandini’s product launch has been stalled. Image/News18
Karnataka Milk Federation, which runs the popular Nandini brand, has landed in a controversy after its managing director, MK Jagadish, was transferred overnight and left without a posting. Sources in the federation have told News18 that the ousted MD was in the advanced stage of launching the Nandini brand idly and dosa instant batter, which was strangely opposed by KMF chairman Bheema Naik, who is a Congress leader close to chief minister Siddaramaiah.
After the MD was removed, the Congress leader asked Nandini to not go ahead with the batter launch idea.
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Jagadish had received praise for giving a professional touch to Nandini with aggressive marketing and expansion plans. Nandini sponsored ISL, Pro Kabaddi, and international cricket teams, while expanding to Delhi and Dubai, and reviving ties with Tirupati.
The BJP has now alleged that Bheema Naik and the Congress are trying to help iD Fresh, the market leader in the instant dosa batter segment, and that is why Nandini’s product launch has been stalled.
“KMF Nandini was brought out of the doldrums by MD Jagadish. He is an efficient bureaucrat who even led Nandini to sponsor the Scotland and Ireland cricket teams at the T20 World Cup and even proposed the sale of idly and dosa batter. This transfer raises suspicions. Companies like iD Fresh have 50 per cent of the batter business market share. Nandini can easily make 2,000 out of those 4,000 crores. CM Siddaramaiah must answer; KMF chief Bhima Naik must answer; where are their interests?” said Dr Narendra Rangappa, BJP spokesperson.
The chairperson of the KMF is yet to respond to the charges levelled against him but has claimed that the MD has been transferred for administrative reasons. “It has happened keeping in mind administrative improvement,” said Bheema Naik, KMF chairman.