Mandya: The Karnataka government has sought permission from the Election Commission to increase milk prices amid the Model Code of Conduct in force in some districts, Water Resources Minister and Mandya district in-charge N. Chaluvarayaswamy said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting with farmer leaders at the Zilla Panchayat hall here to discuss farmers’ grievances, drought conditions and drinking water issues, Chaluvarayaswamy said the government would implement the proposed price hike if the Election Commission grants permission.
“If permission is not granted, action will be taken after the elections,” he said.
‘No protection for anyone in Manmul scam’
On the alleged scam at Mandya Milk Union (Manmul), Chaluvarayaswamy said he had personally directed officials to initiate legal action within 24 hours of the matter coming to light.
“I have full confidence in the district police. If necessary, the case will be handed over for a high-level investigation. There is no question of protecting anyone, even if the accused are my close associates. The guilty must be punished,” he said.
The minister added that if the situation warranted, the government would consider taking steps to supersede the entire Manmul board of management.
He said the government would ensure that the investigation proceeds without protecting any individual accused in the case.