Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, he said the decision to hike the price was left to the individual milk federations, and that it was done keeping in view the larger interests of the farmers. There are 13 milk federations operating in the State, he added.

Revanna, who celebrated his 50th birthday, said that if the Governor or any of his advisors seek clarification, the Federation is ready to provide details to support the decision. Despite the hike, the price of milk per litre is still less when compared to those sold by the private milk dairies, he pointed out.

When contacted, KMF Managing Director I R Ramalinge Gowda said that he has already furnished all details pertaining to the price hike to the Government.

BJP to agitate

Meanwhile, the KMF chairman’s statement drew a sharp reaction from the BJP. It has threatened to launch a state-wide agitation opposing the hike. “Due to the hike, poor families with children are badly hit. KMF is making money in the name of farmers. Though the hike is Rs 2, only one rupee is given to farmers.

Another one rupee is being pocketed by the KMF,” BJP leader R Ashok said. The Congress, however, refused to react. “I have to go through the reasons and the details for the KMF to take such a decision. I will react only after that,” party leader H K Patil said.

The hike was not necessary. I fail to understand why the milk prices were hiked suddenly. The hike adversely affects middle and lower strata of society. How will the authorities convince the public about the hike? Thousands of poor children and patients are dependent on milk for nutritious food. So, the hike is likely to affect their health. A hike of Re 1 would have been ideal.
         - Prof S V Hiremath, MES Vidyakendra

I don’t know what to say. More than anyone else, the hike directly affects tea and coffee vendors, who will be forced to hike the prices. Customers will think twice before drinking tea and coffee. What should we do if they stop drinking tea and coffee? The hike is highly unjust.
- Hameed, Tea Vendor

The hike is condemnable. I buy one litre thick buffalo milk for Rs 18 per litre along with one litre Nandini milk. Now, the thin regular Nandini milk will cost almost the same as Rs 17 per litre, including supplier’s charge of Rs 1. It would mean Rs 60 additional expense on milk alone per month. The buffalo milk vendor may also rise the price. This will affect common people and tea and coffee vendors.
- Brinda Rao, Homemaker

The hike in milk and curd prices was not at all necessary. The hike is an extra-burden for the family. We buy two litres of milk every day. The hike means, earmarking Rs 120 every month.
-R Uma, homemaker

Prices of all commodities increase. But the percentage of the hike should be ideal. We would not have bothered too much if the hike had been just Re 1. Tea, coffee and milk vendors and middle class families will have to bear the brunt.
- Venkatesh G V

The hike was not necessary at this juncture. The hike will place an extra burden in the monthly budget of the working class. The reasons given by the KMF do not sound convincing enough. The hike will also affect middle and lower middle classes.
- Supriya, Accent Trainer
in a BPO firm

I strongly condemn the hike. For workers like me, whose salary would be around Rs 4,000, a hike of Rs 2 is too much. The hike reflects how much concern authorities have for poor people. Those in power should reconsider the hike and reduce it at least by Re 1.
- Lawrence A, Salesman

We have to think twice before offering tea, coffee or milk to guests. I have been offering milk to idols of Gods, but now I fear I will have to break the tradition. Authorities should have consulted the public before hiking the price. I don’t know what drove them to the hike suddenly.
- Chandrashekhar Shastri, Priest

It’s very difficult to use more milk which is considered nutritious food. My mother, who is a cardiac patient, requires milk. Hearing the hike, she asked us to stop giving her milk. Such is the impact of the hike. It will affect all.
- Vishalakshi D S, Homemaker

     The hike was not necessary. It will surely affect middle class families. We purchase two litres every day and now we have to earmark Rs 120 extra in our monthly budget. It’s better if we drink water rather than milk. A hike of Re 1 would have been okay.
- Nagaratna, Homemaker