THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rice prices have gone up by more than 50 percent in three months. Vegetable prices are soaring. Prices of construction materials are also skyrocketing. Meanwhile, murders are increasing day by day. So is the brutality of the police towards the common people. Kerala has been following the Governor-government war for some time, ignoring all the problems affecting the common people. While the ruling leadership and the opposition get involved in controversies, it is alleged that no one is paying attention to the fact that people's lives are becoming difficult.

The price of Jaya rice, which was less than 40 rupees per kilogram in the public market, has reached 60 rupees in the retail market. The cost of building materials is also skyrocketing. Paddy procurement was delayed this time too. The state is once again facing the threat of bird flu. Thousands of ducks had to be culled. Last year's compensation has not yet been fully distributed. While the stray dog menace remains rampant, little is being done to address it.

However, there is no shortage of political controversies in the state. It is also alleged that there is no significant protest, including from the opposition organizations, on the issues such as the price hike. Most of the political parties are now after controversies.

Rice price hike
(gross market)

Jaya First Quality - ₹ 58 (price stood at ₹ 38 three months ago )

Matta Vadi Rice - ₹ 57 (₹37 three months ago)

Building materials
(three months ago, now)

Steel bars (per kg): Rs 64, Rs 88-90

Cement: Rs 380, Rs 440-450

M Sand: Rs 24,000, Rs 33,000

Brick (per load): Rs 17,000, Rs 22,000

Gravel (per load): Rs 31,000, Rs 36,000

Crime this year (up to Sept.)

Murder – 215

Attempted murder - 450

Rape- 1623

Kidnapping- 258

Robbery- 4552