Mother Dairy Acquires Maharashtra’s Mahanand. Details Here. 

In a recent development, Mahanand Milk Dairy, previously under scrutiny for alleged favoritism towards Amul Dairy, has now been transferred to Mother Dairy instead. The transfer process, which stirred up controversy, was finalized on May 2nd, with the state government allocating 253 crores to revive Mahanand under the management of Mother Dairy.

Critics, including Thackeray’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Nationalist Sharad Pawar’s MLA Jitendra Awhad, have voiced concerns over the decision, accusing the government of Maharashtra of favoring Gujarat by allowing Mahanand to be run by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). 

The move has sparked allegations of undermining local industries and agricultural interests, particularly by the Gujarat Kisan Mahasabha, who claim it as an attempt to benefit Gujarat at Maharashtra’s expense.

Mahanand, once the apex institution of Maharashtra, had been grappling with financial difficulties, leading to the decision to entrust its operations to NDDB, which operates Mother Dairy. Despite government approval, opposition figures fear the move will exacerbate economic challenges in Maharashtra and have hinted at exploiting the issue in upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.