Thiruvananthapuram, the Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala on Wednesday criticized the ruling Left in the assembly over the issue of rising prices of vegetables, fish and poultry in the state, accusing it of being "alien" to the plight of ordinary people. .
The opposition made the allegation in its motion seeking adjournment of the House proceedings to discuss the issue of rising prices of vegetables and other food items in the state.
UDF MLA Roji M John said that last week the government said in the House that it was not aware of the price increase, indicating that it had no idea what was happening and how people were being affected.
The UDF's allegations were rejected by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, stating that the government has carried out effective interventions in the market to check rising prices.
The minister also maintained that the rise in prices of such items and inflation were much higher in neighboring states than in Kerala.
He also said that adverse weather conditions and reduced supply of vegetables from neighboring states also contributed to a decline in their availability and consequent rise in prices.
Apart from that, the financial restrictions imposed on Kerala by the Center were also a reason for the rise in raw material prices in the state, he claimed.
Anil said the government was carrying out effective interventions in the market and hence there was no need to adjourn the House to discuss the matter.
In view of the explanation given by the minister, Speaker AN Shamseer denied permission for the House to be adjourned.
Responding, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan said the government seemed to have no answers on what steps it has taken to address the price rise issue as the minister spoke mainly about the public distribution system and ration shops.
He alleged that the government, its agencies and departments have seriously failed to address the issue of price rise.
"When you (the government) talk about making corrections, this is where it needs to be corrected. In view of the serious failure on the part of the government, its agencies and departments to address the issue of price rise, we are organizing a strike," he said.
Prices of vegetables and fish are soaring in Kerala, with vendors attributing it to the extreme summer and untimely rains in Tamil Nadu, Kerala's main supplier of vegetables.
Fish prices are soaring due to a shortage of landings caused by the annual 52-day trawling ban that came into effect on June 9.
Sardines, which are considered the common man's fish and are usually sold for Rs 100 or less, are now being sold for Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kg, a point also raised by UDF House MLA John during the proceedings.
The opposition made the allegation in its motion seeking adjournment of the House proceedings to discuss the issue of rising prices of vegetables and other food items in the state.
UDF MLA Roji M John said that last week the government said in the House that it was not aware of the price increase, indicating that it had no idea what was happening and how people were being affected.
The UDF's allegations were rejected by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, stating that the government has carried out effective interventions in the market to check rising prices.
The minister also maintained that the rise in prices of such items and inflation were much higher in neighboring states than in Kerala.
He also said that adverse weather conditions and reduced supply of vegetables from neighboring states also contributed to a decline in their availability and consequent rise in prices.
Apart from that, the financial restrictions imposed on Kerala by the Center were also a reason for the rise in raw material prices in the state, he claimed.
Anil said the government was carrying out effective interventions in the market and hence there was no need to adjourn the House to discuss the matter.
In view of the explanation given by the minister, Speaker AN Shamseer denied permission for the House to be adjourned.
Responding, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan said the government seemed to have no answers on what steps it has taken to address the price rise issue as the minister spoke mainly about the public distribution system and ration shops.
He alleged that the government, its agencies and departments have seriously failed to address the issue of price rise.
"When you (the government) talk about making corrections, this is where it needs to be corrected. In view of the serious failure on the part of the government, its agencies and departments to address the issue of price rise, we are organizing a strike," he said.
Prices of vegetables and fish are soaring in Kerala, with vendors attributing it to the extreme summer and untimely rains in Tamil Nadu, Kerala's main supplier of vegetables.
Fish prices are soaring due to a shortage of landings caused by the annual 52-day trawling ban that came into effect on June 9.
Sardines, which are considered the common man's fish and are usually sold for Rs 100 or less, are now being sold for Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kg, a point also raised by UDF House MLA John during the proceedings.
