The DMK, AIADMK, PMK and Communist parties moved a special calling-attention motion in the Tamil Nadu Assembly over the sharp rise in prices of essential commodities.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said prices of rice, pulses, cooking oil and sugar, among other essential commodities, had increased substantially in the past three months, placing a heavy burden on the public. He said even poor families were cutting down on visits to grocery shops because of rising prices.
Udhayanidhi Stalin urged the government to take immediate steps to control inflation. Recalling the special distribution scheme introduced by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi during the 2007 price rise, he sought increased supplies of sugar and other essential commodities through ration shops and called for a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to discuss the issue.
Former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleged that rice prices had increased by up to Rs.20 since the TVK government assumed office. He said prices of rice, sugar, chilli, tamarind, jaggery and cooking oil had also risen. He urged the government to procure commodities from states where prices were lower and sell them through cooperative societies, as was done during the AIADMK regime.
PMK MLA Ganeshkumar said prices of several daily-use commodities had increased by up to 30 per cent and urged the government to take immediate measures to contain the rise.
Responding to the special calling-attention motion, Food and Civil Supplies Minister P. Venkataramanan said the rise in essential commodity prices was mainly due to the Iran war and increased fuel prices. He said the government was monitoring the prices of 41 commodities, including onions, on a daily basis.
The minister said steps were being taken to sell commodities whose prices had risen sharply through government outlets. The government was also considering distribution through Pannai Pasumai consumer outlets in addition to ration shops. He said measures would be taken within two days to control onion prices, while the prices of onions and potatoes were being monitored daily.
