The Hindu : Kerala News : Government insensitive to price rise, says Chandy

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Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
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Kerala

Government insensitive to price rise, says Chandy

Staff Reporter

KOLLAM: Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy on Monday alleged that the government was turning a blind eye to the rise in prices of essential commodities.

Inaugurating a dharna in front the taluk office here by the United Democratic Front in protest against the rise in prices of essential commodities, he said that official apathy was so conspicuous that one wondered whether there was a government in the State.

“The price rise has become unbearable. In spite of the grave financial crisis, the previous UDF government was able to supply wheat and rice at Rs.3 a kg. But that is not available now. No measures are being taken to keep prices under control,” Mr. Chandy said.

He alleged that the Chief Minister was running away from responsibilities. The government was a failure on all fronts. The rule of law was being challenged in the State.

During the UDF rule, Kannur was peaceful. But under the Left Democratic Front, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was unable to protect CPI(M) cadres even in his native place Kannur.

The LDF rule had converted Kerala into a battleground. He wanted the BJP and the CPI(M) to lay down weapons.

The UDF would not support violence.

He wanted the government to give more powers and freedom to police for bringing the law and order situation under control.

Mr. Chandy said that in the HMT issue, what had been exposed was just the tip of the iceberg. District chairman of the UDF Sooranad Rajashekaran presided over the dharna.

UDF leaders Babu Divakaran and M.H. Shariyar, among others, addressed the gathering.

Later, the demonstrators were arrested by the police and then let off.

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