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Annamalai Vs Mano Thangaraj: BJP TN Head Turns Up The Heat On DMK Min Over Aavin Fat Content Reduction Issue, Calls Him A Coward

The Commune

Aavin, Tamil Nadu’s state-operated milk company, had decided to discontinue its iconic Green Magic milk variant, a move aimed at cost-cutting that has sent shockwaves across the state. The decision, however, has been met with strong opposition with the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, K Annamalai targeting the DMK government and its Milk Minister Mano Thangaraj.

Annamalai took to the social media platform X to expose alleged discrepancies in another Aavin product – the Premium milk variant with an orange cover. The milk was purported to contain 6% fat, but test results obtained and published by Annamalai revealed a fat content of only 4.79%. The Tamil Nadu BJP chief condemned the decision to discontinue the Green Magic milk, which has been a staple for the past forty years, accusing the government of cheating the public.

In a scathing post, Annamalai wrote, “The decision to stop the sale of green packet milk with 4.5% fat content and to sell purple packet milk with 3.5% fat content is an act of cheating the public.” He backed his claims with a test report from a Food Safety and Standardization Authority (FSSAI) approved laboratory, urging the government to provide quality milk at the price paid by the public.

Responding to the allegations, the Minister of Milk and Dairy Development of Tamil Nadu, Mano Thangaraj, contested the authenticity of the test report. Thangaraj argued that the report did not specify its association with Aavin milk and questioned the presentation of the sample, which was not in the standard packet format but a PET container. Accusing Annamalai of discouraging support for locally produced Aavin products, Thangaraj tweeted, “We suspect these actions of personal gain, possibly seeking benefits from companies outside our state, at the expense of our farmers – a disgraceful move.”

Speaking to reporters in Nagercoil, Mano Thangaraj said, “It is absurd and a bad lie to say that the fat in Aavin’s milk is being stolen. The average fair purchase of 30 lakh litres of milk did not yield a price commensurate with the quality during the AIADMK regime. Now 50% more is given. The payment is made within 10 days after the procurement of milk.”

He made a sharp comment on Tamil Nadu BJP chief, “Those who tell the story by wearing a Rolex watch and shepherding a goat don’t know. Just as a Prime Minister runs to keep the Adani gang alive, there are some stooges running here to keep some corporates alive. The last mile farmers are the first to directly benefit from the company in Tamil Nadu. If someone is acting with the intention of demolishing the Aavin company, which was started for the welfare of these farmers, who else can he be but a stooge?”. He further said, “Aavin is an unshakeable company in Tamil Nadu. This gives milk producers a minimum support price. The price is available throughout the year. North Indian companies have not been able to enter Tamil Nadu. Some people are looking at whether this can lead to domains for goodwill to spoil Aavin’s name.“.

In response, Annamalai issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Thangaraj, challenging him to prove the bribery allegations. Annamalai tweeted, “Thiru Mano thangaraj, in today’s press address, you alleged that I had taken a bribe to work against our State-run Aavin & to favour North Indian Milk Manufacturers. In the next 48 hours, using the state police department under the Corrupt DMK government’s disposal, I urge you to prove your allegation by releasing the evidence in the public domain. Failing which, you should apologise for this spreading misinformation & resign as Milk & Dairy Development Minister. Your continuation as a Minister is a curse to Aavin & the people of Tamil Nadu.”

As the controversy unfolded, it was reported that the DMK government is withdrawing its move to discontinue Aavin green magic and will be made available as before.

In another tweet, the BJP Tamil Nadu head called the DMK Minister a coward as he deleted the post in which he had made allegations that Annamalai was a stooge of corporate companies from north India.

“When asked if there is any evidence for the said slander, as usual, the minister Mano Thangaraj spins stories like ‘I’m grandson of this guy, brother of that guy’. He should be knowing that these stories won’t stand in court by looking at his fellow brethren or his brother. Just as you criticized the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in a derogatory manner and then deleted the post fearing public backlash, you coward who deleted the following post fearing a defamation case now is a joke. I am going to file a case against you for spreading baseless allegation for Rs 1 crore as damages. That one crore rupees will be given to Aavin as a development fund for our Tamil Nadu farmers who give milk to Aavin. A minister like you is the bane of Tamil Nadu.“, Annamalai took the DMK Minister head on.

 

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