"No.1 In Price Rise": Opposition Slams Kerala Government Over Inflation

"No.1 In Price Rise": Opposition Criticizes Kerala Government Over Inflation

Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan along with opposition MLAs (File)

On Thursday, the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly launched a scathing critique against the state government, alleging its inability to manage inflation. According to them, Kerala has maintained the highest inflation rate nationwide for nine consecutive months, creating significant financial strain for families throughout the state.

During an adjournment motion presented in the Assembly, Congress legislator PC Vishnunath claimed that Kerala has consistently ranked first in inflation for nine straight months, a situation he described as having "crippled households" across the state.

"This government consistently aims to portray Kerala as the number one state. Regarding price increases, they've actually achieved this distinction—not temporarily, but for nine consecutive months," Vishnunath remarked. He and fellow Opposition members highlighted the persistent increase in essential commodity prices, which they argued has severely disrupted family financial planning.

Opposition Leader VD Satheesan emphasized that the government had neglected its fundamental obligation to alleviate citizens' financial difficulties.

"A government's responsibility is to reduce people's suffering and difficulties, but this administration has failed to even acknowledge these issues," Satheesan declared. The Opposition called for immediate remedial actions to address what they termed "uncontrolled inflation."

Responding to these allegations, Kerala's Food and Civil Supplies Minister GR Anil characterized the accusations as a "fictitious story" based on "cherry-picked statistics."

He defended the government's initiatives, stating that it has been effectively intervening in the market to control prices, specifically mentioning coconut oil as an example.

The Minister further maintained that there have been no supply shortages in ration shops or government-operated stores like Supplyco and Maveli, even for Opposition members' families.

Nevertheless, the Opposition expressed discontent with the Minister's explanation and walked out of the session, contending that the government's interventions were inadequate to curb the escalating cost of living.