Chennai, Oct 15:
The DMK on Wednesday urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to take immediate measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities, alleging that the TVK-led government had failed to address the hardships faced by the public.
Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, DMK law wing joint secretary I Paranthaman said the prices of essential commodities had increased considerably under the present government. A 26-kg bag of rice, which cost Rs 1,400 during the previous DMK regime, was now being sold for Rs 1,800, he claimed.
He alleged that prices of essential kitchen commodities, including urad dal, toor dal, sugar and cooking oil, had also risen sharply, making it difficult for households to manage their daily expenses.
Recalling the Special Public Distribution System introduced by the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi during a similar situation under the DMK regime, Paranthaman said the government had supplied essential commodities at subsidised rates.
Taking exception to Food Minister P Venkataramanan’s claim that rice and related commodities had not become costlier, Paranthaman challenged the Minister to accompany him on a grocery shopping trip to verify the prevailing prices.
Appealing to Vijay to intervene, the DMK leader urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to rein in prices and ease the burden on the public.