Opposition slams govt, ruling front defends on price rise in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heated exchanges erupted in the Assembly on Monday during an adjournment motion over the steep rise in prices of essential commodities.

The opposition alleged that the cost of daily-use items was “skyrocketing like a rocket,” pushing ordinary people into severe distress. They pointed out that inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has remained consistently high for the past eight months.

The ruling front rejected the charge, calling it an “imaginary story” spun by the opposition. Ministers countered that more than 56 lakh people had purchased essentials at subsidised rates from Supplyco outlets during Onam, proof that the government’s interventions were effective.

The adjournment motion moved by PC Vishnunath was discussed between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Minister GR Anil said Rs 386 crore worth of goods were sold through Maveli Stores during Onam. Opposition leader VD Satheesan countered, asking whether market intervention was truly effective when only Rs 150 crore was allocated after demanding Rs 243 crore. Vishnunath added that while Kerala’s inflation rate in August was 9%, Karnataka’s was only 3.8%. The opposition later staged a walkout.

Price rise is an imaginary story: Minister Anil

• Maveli stores witnessed record sales
• Rs 25 crore worth of sales per day during Onam
• Even the media did not report a price rise
• Rice was supplied to all families at lower rates
• Coconut oil prices will be reduced further

Kerala has the worst price rise: Satheesan

• Inflation reduces purchasing power
• Prices at Horticorp are higher than in the open market
• No Chief Minister–level meeting held to control inflation
• Rise in essential goods prices triggers overall price hike
• Many restaurants shut down due to rising costs

Kerala Kaumudi report quoted in Assembly
During the discussion, MLA V Joy cited a Kerala Kaumudi report and editorial to argue that there was no price rise during Onam. He pointed to the report 'Prices falling, Happy Onam' and the editorial 'Supplyco gains by serving prosperity' as proof that government intervention was successful. Minister GR Anil also referred to the editorial in his reply, saying that the newspaper’s acknowledgement was recognition that people celebrated Onam in abundance.