YSRCP, farmers' body accuse Andhra govt of pressuring Krishna Milk Union chief
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham on Friday accused the state government of interfering in the affairs of the Krishna Milk Union, popularly known as Vijaya Dairy, and attempting to force its newly elected chairman, Chalasani Anjaneyulu, to step down.
Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central office in Vijayawada, party spokesperson Putta Sivashankar alleged that Mr. Anjaneyulu came under pressure from senior leaders within 24 hours of being unanimously elected chairman by the board of directors.
According to Mr. Sivashankar, Ministers K. Parthasarathi and Kollu Ravindra visited the dairy's office soon after a Cabinet meeting and pressed for the chairman's resignation. He further alleged that the pressure continued even after Mr. Anjaneyulu was admitted to hospital.
Citing a video purportedly released by director Vemuri Sai, Mr. Sivashankar claimed that messages demanding the chairman's resignation were sent while he was undergoing treatment. He also alleged that another Minister convened a meeting of directors to discuss either a resignation or a no-confidence motion.
The YSRCP leader accused the government of interfering in the functioning of democratic cooperative institutions. He drew a parallel with the closure of Chittoor Dairy during the previous TDP government, questioning whether similar attempts were now being made to weaken Krishna Milk Union while benefiting private players.
Separately, the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham alleged that the government was attempting to undermine the cooperative dairy sector to favour Heritage Foods, a company founded by the family of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The Sangham claimed that elected representatives of the cooperative were being targeted and replaced by individuals aligned with the ruling establishment. It urged the government to protect the interests of dairy farmers and preserve the cooperative structure of the institution.
These allegations come at a time when cooperative institutions in Andhra Pradesh have been a point of political contention. The Krishna Milk Union, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the state, has a significant farmer base, and any leadership change could have implications for milk procurement and pricing.
The state government has not yet officially responded to the allegations. The YSRCP and the Rythu Sangham have called for an impartial inquiry into the matter, demanding that the elected leadership of the dairy be allowed to function without undue influence.
