A ruckus erupted in the Kerala Assembly on Thursday as Congress accused the government of failing to control rising prices, while CPI(M) defended its record. Congress MLA P C Vishnunath was seen accusing the state government of "failing to act," and CPI(M) legislator V Joy was defending its record.
Moving an adjournment motion, Vishnunath said Kerala had topped the Consumer Price Index chart for eight consecutive months, making life harder for ordinary households. Vishnunath then focused on the nearly 50 per cent hike in coconut oil prices. This rise in the price made it difficult to afford traditional combinations like papad and oil, he then pointed out.
"Only Rs 176 crore was spent in 2024 for market intervention. Even the food department's requests for funds were ignored. Prices of pulses and spices have risen, yet subsidies have not been increased. This inefficiency is costing the people dearly," he told the House.
Taking a sarcastic dig, he then suggested the state host an "international anti-inflation conclave" since prices were running out of control.
Countering the ruling LDF government, CPI(M) MLA V Joy, speaking for the party, said that inflation was a global trend and not unique to Kerala, and added that the high wages in the state's various sectors also contributed to higher costs.
Joy claimed that under the UDF rule, only Rs 773 crore was spent, while the first Pinarayi government spent Rs 4,299 crore, and the second has already spent Rs 3,502 crore.
"People themselves said on television that they had a happy Onam. The state's financial management under Minister K N Balagopal made that possible," Joy then added.
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