GUWAHATI, Aug 25: Rising prices of everyday food items have triggered fresh political criticism in Assam, with AIUDF president and Binnakandi MLA Maulana Badruddin Ajmal accusing the BJP-led state government of failing to keep the cost of essential commodities under control.
Ajmal said the increasing burden on household budgets had become a serious concern for people across the state, particularly daily-wage earners and families with limited incomes.
According to the AIUDF leader, prices of several essential items have risen sharply, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary households to manage their day-to-day expenses. He claimed that the situation had worsened since the BJP returned to power in Assam for a third consecutive term.
Ajmal alleged that the government had not taken effective steps to regulate the market and questioned why stronger action had not been initiated to check the rising prices.
Questions Over Price Differences in Markets
The AIUDF president also pointed to differences in the prices of essential commodities across various markets in Assam.
He claimed that rates fixed or monitored by the Food and Civil Supplies authorities at the district level were not being properly reflected in retail markets. Ajmal further alleged that there was a significant difference between wholesale and retail prices.
Raising concerns over the vegetable trade, he said middlemen were benefiting from the price gap while farmers were often not receiving adequate returns for their produce.
Ajmal claimed that many farmers faced difficulties in directly transporting and selling their vegetables in larger markets because of rising transportation costs. Higher fuel prices and toll charges, he said, had added to the overall cost of moving agricultural produce from one location to another.
Eggs, Onion and Other Food Items Mentioned
Referring to the recent increase in egg prices, Ajmal also expressed concern over the cost of onions, which he said had reached around Rs 60 per kg.
He further cited the rising prices of pulses, rice, edible oil and sugar, saying the increase in the cost of basic food items was putting additional pressure on household finances.
The situation, Ajmal said, was particularly difficult for daily-wage workers and economically weaker sections, who were finding it increasingly challenging to meet their regular household expenses.
Questioning the Assam government’s response, the AIUDF leader alleged that the failure to effectively control market prices had created growing concern among consumers.
Ajmal called for stronger measures to regulate the prices of essential commodities and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce while consumers are protected from excessive retail rates.
