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With kiosks and Metro space entering the equation, the fight between the dairy giants is no longer just about milk—it’s about territory, control, and political messaging
The BMRCL deal gives Amul kiosk space at 10 busy Metro stations.
The long-simmering turf war between dairy giants Amul and Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) Nandini has boiled over again—this time over setting up kiosks inside Bengaluru’s Namma Metro stations.
The latest flashpoint? BMRCL’s decision to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gujarat-based Amul to set up kiosks at 10 key Metro stations across the city.
Now, with kiosks and Metro space entering the equation, the fight is no longer just about milk—it’s about territory, control, and political messaging.
“There was an open tendering process. Amul participated and won the bid for 10 stations. It’s open to all. If KMF wants to participate, let them come forward,” a senior BMRCL official told News18.
A senior KMF official confirmed to News18 that Nandini is currently in talks with BMRCL to negotiate rentals and will open along the same metro stations as Amul. “We are in talks with BMRCL on our kiosks,” the official said.
Amul has, however, already moved in and set up two kiosks—one at Byappanahalli metro station and the other at Beniganahalli metro station as per the MoU.
“Nandini had earlier set up kiosks at three stations—MG Road, Mahalaxmi and Vijayanagar—but shut two down due to low revenue,” a top BMRCL source said. Only the Vijayanagar outlet is still operational.
The BMRCL deal gives Amul kiosk space at 10 busy Metro stations: Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Benniganahalli, Byappanahalli, Trinity, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda (Majestic), National College, Jayanagar and Banashankari.
But the political milk has already spilt.
BJP MP PC Mohan launched a sharp attack on the Siddaramaiah government, accusing it of betraying Karnataka’s dairy farmers by allowing Amul into Metro spaces and leaving out Nandini. “The Congress government, which oversees BMRCL, has enabled Amul to displace Nandini. This is a betrayal,” he said.
The JD(S) went a step further, alleging that Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had “sold his self-respect for commissions”. On X, the party posted: “Before polls, Congress launched a ‘Save Nandini’ campaign. Now, for commission, Shivakumar is welcoming outsiders.”
Shivakaumr countered the argument by saying that Nandini will be given space within the metro stations to be set up and Amul has set up only two kiosks till now.
KMF officials, meanwhile, say they’re in touch with BMRCL. “We’re renegotiating rental terms. Talks are ongoing,” one senior officer said. BMRCL, for its part, maintained that there’s still room for negotiation.
“Retail spaces are available. If KMF shows interest, we’ll consider,” an official said, clarifying that the move is aimed at increasing non-fare box revenue to offset public subsidies when it comes to train fares.
But this isn’t just about kiosks, it’s a political war.
In 2022, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comment in Mandya—that Amul and KMF should cooperate—set off alarm bells. Protesters feared a merger. A year later, ahead of the 2023 Karnataka assembly polls, Amul announced its plans to sell milk and curd in Bengaluru through e-commerce platforms. That move quickly became political gunpowder.
Congress, then in opposition, accused the BJP of “red-carpet treatment” to Amul, claiming it was an attempt to sideline Karnataka’s home-grown dairy brand Nandini. Kannadigas took to social media in protest, dubbing it a threat to the pride and livelihood of Karnataka’s dairy farmers.
While both Amul and KMF use the same Anand model of milk procurement, and even compete in markets like Mumbai, Hyderabad and Goa, they had so far stayed off each other’s home turfs. That changed in 2023.
Karnataka is a milk-surplus state—its 16 district milk unions supply far more than local demand, allowing exports to other states. The KMF is the country’s second-largest dairy cooperative after Amul, offering competitive prices and rooted in a strong local farmer network.
Amul had then clarified that its entry was limited to a niche, e-commerce audience. But the damage was done—the Nandini vs Amul narrative had already become an election issue and now a turf war between Karnataka and Gujarat.
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t…Read More
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t… Read More
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