Representative image showing a basket of essential goods.
Credit: iStock Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: A decision of the Kerala government to reduce subsidies of several essential commodities has triggered strong protests against the Left Front government in the state.
Subsidies of various commodities sold through the state-run Civil Supplies Corporation's Supplyco outlets were reduced to 35 per cent, from 55 per cent earlier.
Reacting to the move, the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a strong protest in the Assembly on Thursday, even as food minister G R Anil justified the decision as a move to tide over the losses of the Civil Supplies Corporation. He said that the prices would be reviewed every three months.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan raised the matter in the Assembly. He said that the Left Front came to power by assuring that the subsidies on essential commodities would not be withdrawn. The Opposition also raised banners and placards accusing the government of looting the people.
With Opposition MLAs trooping to the well of the House in protest, the House was adjourned by rushing through the proceedings.
Sources said that the reduction in subsidies of essential commodities could even lead to price hikes in the open market.