On the eve of the Diwali weekend, Delhi BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan accused the Sheila Dikshit-led Congress Government of having an “indifferent attitude” towards the common man hit by inflation in the festive season. He accused the government of failing to take required action even as the common man in Delhi continues to suffer from price rise and corruption.
“Indifferent attitude of the government has broken the back of the people of Delhi. Not a single house is unaffected by price rise and adulteration and the government machinery remains a spectator,” he said in a statement. Pointing to the host of household goods that have seen a hike in prices, Dr. Vardhan said: “Cooking gas cylinders are being openly sold from Rs.1,200 to Rs.1,400 in black market. People have been suffering due to unprecedented rise in the price of onion. And now vegetable traders have made potatoes, tomatoes, brinjals, green vegetables, mushrooms and garlic costly.”
He alleged that the market was full of adulterated sweets but the government had not raided a single shop. Further, he said tomatoes, which were being sold at Rs.40 per kg till very recently, are now being sold at Rs 60 to 70.
“Just three days ago, potatoes were being sold at Rs.25 per kg now these were being sold at Rs. 40 to 50 per kg, apples are being sold at Rs.70 to 140 per kg, bananas at Rs.70 per dozen, pomegranate at Rs. 140 per kg. and pineapples at Rs. 100 per piece,” he added.
High inflation has dampened the festive spirit, he claimed adding even price of small statues of Lord Ganesha and Laxmi was about Rs.300 in the market. “An average family is unable to perform the worship of Lord Ganesha and Laxmi happily. The price of decorative materials, lighting, candles, colourful lanterns, earthen lamps is sky rocketing. Small earthen lamps cost Rs.15 per dozen”, he said.
Dr. Vardhan said that even purchasing dry fruits has become a dream with almonds being sold from Rs 800 to Rs.1,000 per kg, walnuts at Rs.1,400 per kg, raisins at Rs.800 per kg, cashew from Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per kg and pistachios at Rs 2,200 per kg.
