The challenge made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President K Annamalai comes in response to T Mano Thangaraj’s claim that Annamalai was actively working against the interests of Aavin, the state-run milk dairy firm, allegedly after receiving financial incentives from North Indian dairy companies.
In a statement posted on his social media handle, Annamalai declared, “I will give you 48 hours to prove your charges. You can use the DMK police to probe the charges and lay bare the outcome in public to substantiate your accusations. If you fail to prove so, offer an unconditional apology and resign from the cabinet, taking responsibility for making unfounded charges against me. I give a clear 48 hours to prove charges. Your continuation as minister is a curse for the people of the state and Aavin.” Thangaraj is yet to respond to Annamalai’s challenge.
திரு @Manothangaraj அவர்களே,
இன்றைய உங்கள் செய்தியாளர்கள் சந்திப்பில், வடமாநில பால் உற்பத்தி நிறுவனங்களிடம் கையூட்டு பெற்று ஆவின் நிறுவனத்திற்கு எதிராக நான் செயல்படுவதாகக் குற்றம் சாட்டியிருந்தீர்கள்.
உங்களுக்கு 48 மணிநேரம் அவகாசம் தருகிறேன்.
ஊழல் திமுக அரசின் முழு…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) November 24, 2023
The Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (TCMPF), commonly known as Aavin, is facing scrutiny and condemnation as allegations of attempting to cease the sale of the popular Green Magic milk variant, which contains 4.5 per cent fat, have surfaced. The move, perceived as an effort to promote lower fat content at a higher price, has sparked public outrage.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, took to his social media handle to expose discrepancies in Aavin’s Premium milk variant, identifiable by its Orange cover. Annamalai claims that while the milk was marketed as containing 6 per cent fat, laboratory test results show a significant shortfall, with only 4.79 per cent fat content. This revelation has fueled accusations of deceit against the public, further intensifying the criticism against Aavin.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of Aavin’s decision to discontinue the sale of the long-standing Green packet milk, a staple for households for four decades. The replacement, Purple packet milk, boasts a lower 3.5 per cent fat content. Annamalai’s allegations, backed by FSSAI-approved laboratory test results, raise questions about the accuracy of the nutritional information provided by Aavin. The public awaits Aavin’s response to these serious allegations.
தமிழக அரசின் ஆவின் பால் நிறுவனம், கடந்த நாற்பது ஆண்டுகளாகப் பயன்பாட்டில் இருக்கும் பச்சை நிற பாக்கெட் பால் விற்பனையை நிறுத்திக் கொள்ள முடிவெடுத்திருப்பது வன்மையாகக் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது.
மொத்தமாக சென்னையில், சுமார் 14.75 லட்சம் லிட்டர் விற்பனையாகும் ஆவின் பாலில், 40% பங்குள்ள, 4.5%… pic.twitter.com/6fLzNIISCk
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) November 20, 2023
Tamil Nadu BJP President, K Annamalai, has accused the DMK government of endangering the health of children reliant on Aavin’s milk by intentionally reducing the fat content. Annamalai contends that the decision to discontinue the sale of the longstanding Green packet milk, containing 4.5 per cent fat, in favor of Purple packet milk with 3.5 per cent fat, amounts to deceiving the public.
In a social media post, Annamalai shared a study conducted by a Food Safety and Standardisation Authority (FSSAI)-approved laboratory, revealing that orange packet milk, marketed as having 6% fat content, only contains 4.79 per cent fat. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to halt deceptive practises that compromise milk quality without a corresponding reduction in prices, emphasising the potential impact on children’s development.
Annamalai’s post stated, “The decision to stop the sale of green packet milk with 4.5% fat content and to sell purple packet milk with 3.5 per cent fat content is an act of cheating the public.” He called for transparency and demanded an immediate cessation of practises that could adversely affect children dependent on Aavin’s milk.
In response, Tamil Nadu’s Milk and Dairy Development Minister, T Mano Thangaraj, contested the authenticity of the test report. In a statement on social media platform X, Thangaraj expressed dismay at the deliberate spread of misinformation. He highlighted concerns about the test report, noting that it failed to specify its connection to Aavin Milk and raised doubts about the sample’s authenticity.
Thangaraj emphasized that Aavin exclusively packages its products in packets, not PET containers as suggested by Annamalai, undermining the reliability of the sample. He criticised Annamalai’s actions, suggesting they could mislead the public and damage Tamil Nadu’s reputation for political gains. Thangaraj reaffirmed Aavin’s commitment to transparency, upholding product standards, and protecting the interests of the state’s farmers.
The controversy intensifies as both Annamalai and Thangaraj present conflicting narratives, with Annamalai raising concerns about potential health risks and deceptive practises, while Thangaraj challenges the credibility of the test report and questions the motives behind the allegations. The public awaits further developments in this ongoing dispute over the quality and transparency of Aavin’s milk products.
Annamalai, @annamalai_k
Addressing your recent tweet on Aavin Milk's fat content, we are dismayed by the deliberate spread of misinformation. The referenced test report fails to specify it pertains to Aavin Milk. Aavin exclusively packages in packets, not PET containers as… https://t.co/N4Z62BhkTI
— Mano Thangaraj (@Manothangaraj) November 20, 2023
Annamalai has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of orchestrating a deliberate campaign against Aavin. Annamalai alleged that successive administrations, including his predecessor, contributed to the decline of Aavin through continuous price hikes, manipulation of product composition, obstruction of health mix production, and intentional reduction in milk procurement from farmers.
Thiru @Manothangaraj, leased answers wouldn't help hide the sorry state of affairs under the Corrupt DMK govt.
The report is a reality check of how the state-run milk cooperative under the DMK govt has been converted to an extortion unit by charging more & delivering less.
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) November 21, 2023
Earlier this month, concerns about a potential scam within Aavin were raised by TN Milk Dealers Association President Ponnusamy.
In response to the allegations, Mano Thangaraj accused Annamalai of working against the interests of Aavin. Annamalai, in a social media post, has now given the minister a 48-hour ultimatum to either prove the charges or resign from the cabinet. Annamalai’s challenge adds a new dimension to the Aavin controversy, with political leaders at the forefront of the debate.
As the 48-hour deadline looms, the public awaits the outcome of this high-stakes challenge, which could have significant implications for both Annamalai and Mano Thangaraj. The controversy surrounding Aavin has not only raised questions about the functioning of the state-run milk dairy firm but has also become a battleground for political accusations, further intensifying the scrutiny on the management of this crucial entity.
