A day after the Madras High Court issued gag orders against K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji, the dairy development minister has again made statements which has landed him in trouble once again. "Aavin milk will be available at Rs10 in the form of 225ml sachets. This will help poor families to get nutritious milk with 4.5 per cent fat and 8.5 per cent nutrients," Bhalaji informed the state assembly on Tuesday, while replying to the demands and grants of the dairy development department. The milk producers and suppliers in the state have come down heavily on the minister for this new announcement, saying the minister has announced only an existing scheme and there is nothing new in it.
Bhalaji made headlines recently when he accused the private milk companies of adding toxins in milk. He had said that the companies are using formaldehyde, caustic soda and other preservatives, which cause cancer in children. Two private milk producers went to court and the Madras High Court asked the minister not to issue any disparaging press statements directly or indirectly against privately manufactured milk/dairy products.
The court asked the minister to specify the name of the private company if substantial material is available to prove adulteration of such products and also to produce necessary documents.
Bhalaji was again in the news when he accused his own party spokesperson Vaigai Selvanof being aide to the private dairy companies that indulged in milk adulteration.
