Price rise in whose period: A verbal duel between Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi

There is a war of words between former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK) supremo Ms J Jayalalitha on the price hike for essential commodities.

Arch political rivals of Mr Karunanidhi, Ms Jayalalithaa has claimed prices were well controlled during her rule, and it rose only during the present DMK regime.

"Prices of all essential commodities have increased almost three times during the present government", she said in a statement here joining issue with Karunanidhi, who had said prices had risen during AIADMK regime also.

Accusing Karunanidhi of failing to contain the price rise, she said 'Ponni' boiled rice was sold at an average price of Rs 17 per kg during her regime, but now it was being sold at Rs 44 a kg.

Stating that the prices of pulses and oil had also increased by threefold, she said sugar was sold at Rs 12.50 per kg during her period. "But now the price had increased to Rs 35 per kg", she said.

She also claimed that an ordinary meal in hotels was available for Rs 15 during her rule. "But now the meal costs Rs 50. This clearly showed that prices had gone up threefold during the last four years", she said.

She also wondered how the state government could appoint a private insurance firm for its free insurance scheme instead of approaching Central Government organizations.

- Asian Tribune -