THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PC Vishnunath raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly where Kerala Kaumudi published the picture of the price list stating that the goods were out of stock at the Kozhikode Palayam Supplyco outlet. The image 'Not available on pricelist' published on the front page on August 4 was highlighted while presenting the urgent resolution notice on the price hike.

Vishnunath read out loud how it was written 'Not available' against each item. Chief Minister should not say that the prices of essential commodities have not increased for 8 years. The price can be increased only if the goods are available, he mocked.

Minister GR Anil replied that Kerala Kaumudi corrected it on the front page the very next day. The minister continued that when the shop opened at 10 am on the day of the news, the truth was investigated and many things written as 'Not available' were not true. Some issues are exaggerated by the media. He said that they are being presented as facts by it to the assembly.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan replied that this is not true. The price on the board was added after seeing the picture in Kerala Kaumudi without stocking the goods. This is what has been given as a follow-up report and not a correction for the first picture. When there is a drastic price increase, the media will go to the field and report. There is no point in the minister criticizing it when the news comes out.

Out of stock, but the price is on the board

This is what happened. Minister GR Anil, who saw the picture in Kerala Kaumudi, investigated the outlet. Following this, the price information list with out-of-stock subsidized items against which it was written 'Not available' was erased. Instead, the cost of out-of-stock items was written down. Those who came to purchase were disappointed. Of the 13 subsidized items announced by the government, only coriander and black gram were in stock. This is what was published on the first page of Kerala Kaumudi with pictures on August 6.