Irrepressible minister targets private dairies yet again
Mr Balaji has been making headlines by alleging that private players mix chemicals in milk supplied to people.
Chennai: Continuing his tirade against private milk manufacturers, Dairy Development Minister K.T. Rajenthra Balaji on Monday promised “strict action” against those mixing chemicals in milk and declared that those who encourage adulteration in milk would be “shown the door.”
Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Edappadi on his controversial remarks that created ripples, Mr Balaji said there was no doubt that private milk manufacturers mix chemicals to increase the shelf life of the milk.
“There is no denying in the fact that these private manufacturers resort to mixing chemicals with milk. This has to be stopped and more than 50 per cent of the private milk suppliers resort to such practices. Government would ensure that people get quality milk,” Rajenthra Balaji told reporters. He also said Palanisami had given him “free hand” on taking action against those who indulge in such malpractices. “I have the CM’s permission to take action against such firms. He told me I was free to act on my own,” he said.
Mr Balaji has been making headlines by alleging that private players mix chemicals in milk supplied to people. On Saturday, he said he would hang himself if the allegations levelled by him were proven wrong. To a question on DMDK chief Vijayakant’s allegation that he was levelling allegations only to threaten private players, he, “Vijayakant does not even know who holds Dairy Development portfolio.” He was referring to statement issued by Vijayakant on the issue wherein he referred Senthil Balaji, an MLA, as the minister.