Government is watching as spectators says opposition; protest and walk out in assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition protested and walked out of the assembly alleging that the government is watching as spectators without intervening in the market when the price of essential goods is rising breaking the back of the people. Minister GR Anil explained that the nationwide price hike will be seen here as well, and all measures will be taken to provide relief to the people.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused that market intervention was eliminated by not allocating necessary funds to Supplyco and that the price hike was the creation of the government. The opposition walked out of the House, alleging that SupplyCo is taking the same route as KSRTC and that the government had left it for euthanasia. PC Vishnunadh, who moved the urgent motion notice, said that it is false propaganda that the prices of 13 items have not increased for eight years and not even tenders are being held in SupplyCo as contractors are not being paid.

Minister GR Anil said that Supplyco will bring maximum products to the Onam market. Onachantha will start on the 18th in the districts. Onachantha will be there from the 23rd for six days in constituency centres and taluk centres. Shortages of some products will be resolved. During Onam, all cardholders will get 70 percent Parboiled rice and 30 percent Pachari. The minister said that more Pachari will be given if the cardholder requests it.

Government-opposition war of words

After the ministers stood up during the opposition leader's speech and created a ruckus, there was a heated war of words between the ruling and opposition members. Satheesan came up against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was not ready to answer any question, including whether the market intervention would be paid for. The ministers tried to defend this. The opposition took center stage and staged a walkout after raising slogans against the government.

Satheesan's challenge to visit shops

Alleging that 13 essential items are not available anywhere in SupplyCo, VD Satheesan challenged Minister Anil to visit the outlets. Satheesan said that there are no items including chillies, lentils and chickpeas in the Nedumangad people's bazaar, which is in the minister's constituency. Minister Anil replied that they can go together after the end of the meeting.