After PM Modi’s address prices of essentials commodities ‘shot through the roof’, claims Chowdhury

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on coronavirus came under attack in the Lok Sabha on Friday with Congress leader in the House Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claiming that after his speech to the nation on Thursday evening prices of essential commodities have “shot through the roof and many items have gone missing from the market.”

“Bazaar main aag lag gyi hai,” Chowdhury alleged, adding that though the Congress was with the Prime Minister in the difficult time, his government needs to take steps to support common people, especially the poor.

“Ever since the PM’s speech inflation has increased and several items have gone missing from the market. We support the PM but the Government must declare financial package for daily workers, street food vendors, etc and announce compensation for small and medium businesses, Chowdhury said.

He also demanded free food grain for poor and BPL families and advance MNREGA payments. In response, the government said several good steps are being taken to counter the national and international crisis.

“The PM. has given several good suggestions which we must honour for benefit of the country There is no need to create panic. This is a national and international crisis. I appeal to everyone who does not talk about scarcity and press the panic button,” countered union minister Prahlad Joshi.