Centre and State should take steps to control rise in prices of essential commodities: Thirumavalavan

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan said on Saturday that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government should pay attention to and initiate measures to control the rise in prices of essential commodities, especially rice, as it would affect the poorer sections.

In a brief interaction with journalists at the Tiruchi airport, he said the Centre should also take responsibility for the increase in prices of essential commodities as the hike in fuel prices was a contributing factor. While the rising fuel costs at the global level and other factors could contribute to the rise in prices, the Central and State governments had the responsibility to take necessary measures to control the price of essential commodities, keeping in mind the welfare of ordinary people, he said.

Replying to a question, Mr. Thirumavalavan said there were reports that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was attempting to convene a special session in Parliament to pass the Delimitation Bill. The DMK had consistently opposed the Delimitation Bill in a big way in both Houses of the Parliament and hoped the party would remain firm in its stand. The VCK’s stand was that increasing the number of MPs would not be appropriate for nation’s welfare or democracy, he added.