Kerala Assembly to Debate Soaring Prices and Health Crisis

The Kerala government announced on Thursday its readiness to engage in discussions prompted by an adjournment motion from the opposition concerning the significant surge in essential commodity prices. This development followed Kundara MLA P. C. Vishnunadh's demand to adjourn the Legislative Assembly session to address escalating public dismay over the inflation rate.

Vishnunadh highlighted that Kerala currently records the country's highest inflation rate, yet the government has allegedly not taken sufficient action to mitigate this pressing issue. Food and Civil Supplies Minister, G. R. Anil, responded by asserting the efficacy of the government's interventions, stating they are more effective than past efforts.

"The choice of this topic by the opposition puzzles me, but we are ready to deliberate on it," Minister Anil declared. He emphasized Kerala's market interventions this year as the most successful in history. The assembly will allocate two hours to this discussion starting at noon.

Simultaneously, the assembly is set to tackle the impact of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a condition responsible for 19 fatalities within the state. The matter will be discussed post the adjournment motion proceedings.

Mannarkkad MLA N Shamsudheen submitted a notice accusing the state government of failing to provide a robust disease combat strategy. Health Minister Veena George addressed claims, dismissing them as "false propaganda" while advocating for an essential dialogue on the public health issue. The minister was adamant that discussions are crucial, with recent deaths underscoring the need for effective preventive measures.