BJP alleges ‘Milk Mafia’ nexus in Punjab, seeks probe into Verka–Panjiri row
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 28:The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday launched a sharp attack on the AAP-led state government, alleging serious irregularities in the Verka milk supply chain and the Panjiri nutrition scheme, and demanded a high-level probe into the matter.
Addressing the media, BJP Punjab Working State President Ashwani Sharma accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of maintaining “deafening silence” over what he described as a series of scams impacting public health and governance.
Sharma alleged that nearly 125 metric tonnes of Verka milk powder were recently rejected by the Indian Army over quality concerns, calling it part of a larger pattern of irregularities. He also referred to previous allegations of adulteration in milk supplied to Verka plants and financial discrepancies in various units.
Raising concerns over the Panjiri distribution under the ICDS nutrition scheme, Sharma termed it a “potential ₹1000–1500 crore scam.” He claimed that since 2022, supply has shifted from cooperative bodies like Verka to private contractors through a “questionable tender process,” alleging compromised nutritional standards, including the use of cheaper substitutes in place of ghee.
The BJP leader further alleged that the matter is already under consideration before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and demanded accountability.
Accusing the Chief Minister of being “hand in glove with the milk mafia,” Sharma said that suspending officials was merely a face-saving measure and not sufficient action.
“When children’s nutrition and soldiers’ health are compromised, it is not negligence but criminal betrayal,” he said.
The BJP has called for a time-bound probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a High Court-monitored investigation into the alleged Verka-related irregularities, adulteration claims, and the Panjiri controversy.
“The people of Punjab deserve answers, not silence,” Sharma added.