TN Assembly Debates Price Rise as Minister Cites Global Factors

Tamil Nadu Food Minister P Venkataramanan informed the State Assembly in Chennai on Friday that the government is monitoring the prices of 41 essential commodities on a daily basis to prevent shortages in the market. He attributed the extraordinary cost escalation to the Iran war and hikes in petrol and diesel prices.

The minister made the statement while replying to a call attention motion moved by Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding the sharp rise in the cost of essential goods. Udhayanidhi Stalin pointed out that the prices of rice, pulses, oil, and sugar have increased manifold over the past three months, severely impacting the public.

Recalling measures taken by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi during a similar crisis in 2007, when essential items were distributed through ration shops below market rates, Udhayanidhi Stalin urged the government to implement relief schemes. He also requested improvements in the quality of rice and sugar supplied through fair price shops.

Former Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami listed the prevailing market rates of essential commodities during the debate. Palaniswami stated that the state government should procure essential items from other states where rates are lower and bring them to Tamil Nadu to ease the burden on consumers.

Several other legislators participated in the discussion, criticizing the state government over inflation and demanding urgent intervention. Lawmakers who joined the debate included Tharahai Cuthbert of the Congress, A Ganeshkumar of the PMK, Chellasamy of the CPM, and Thalli Ramachandran of the CPI.