TIWN Nov 5, 2019
AGARTALA / NEW DELHI, Dec 5 (TIWN): In the UPA era Onion prices at Rs. 30 even caused massive protests led by the BJP whereas today when nationwide protests are going on, even Tripura witnessing severe protests, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman said that she doesn’t eat much onion as she belongs to a family where onions and garlics are less used. During the assembly, Sitharaman also spoke about the steps that the government has taken to tackle the price rise of onions. NCP MP Supriya Sule questioned Sitharaman, "Why has the production of onion gone down? We export rice and milk and so many other products. Onion grower is a small farmer and he really needs to be protected." As a part of her answer, Sitharaman replied with her eating habits. She said, "I don't eat much onion and garlic. I come from such a family which doesn't have much to do with onion.
"In Tripura, onion prices have gone at Rs. 120 per kilo.Reacting over massive price hikes and onion prices’ rates increase, Women Congress and Youth Congress staged a massive protest here in Agartala today".
The Women Congress placed a deputation to the Food Director today.
Addressing media, Debjani Laskar, Sadar, Mohila Congress President said, “In UPA time whenever prices increased even for Rs. 10, the BJP sat in protest but now when so much of prices have hit various Commodities, the Govt is silent. They are just talking tall in the parliament”.
Debjani Laskar said, “Earlier PM Modi suggested unemployed youths to start pakoda selling but today how to sell pakoda when onion prices are too high?”
On yesterday in a rare display of resentment, a top Congress leader has garlanded himself with onions during press conference in Agartala condemning onion price’s hike at Rs. 120.
Addressing media, the Congress leader, who was also former State Congress President Gopal Roy said, “BJP and its Govt have crossed Hitler in pride of power. By wearing this garland of onions I want to mean that Biplab Deb has crossed even the Hitler. I call for people of Tripura’s consciousness Unemployed youths must be united. Workers to farmers all should be united in protest against the Govt’s autocracy. Today everyone is attacked, everyone is under sufferings. “All commodity prices are hiking, specially onion. Before 2014 when onion price was Rs. 25 and somethings light increased BJP came in massive protests. Now the price is Rs. 120 but Govt has zero concern about it. Govt is not to see things only but it can easily give by subsidies”, he said.
“Tomato’s price has increased at Rs. 80, potato Rs. 40. Petrol price went at Rs. 90. Diesel which was Rs. 52 in UPA time and now Rs. 72.97”, said Gopal Roy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C25E7-VDo1I&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2G3NWC2STfMW54y4OoorwRwn8x0g2El8SrqWseIjkBE8Sq4_vSqeC7Z94 Click TIWN YouTube Link to see Gopal Roy's speech
Report says, in some cities, onion prices are peaking at Rs 120-130 per kilo such as in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Odisha, and Pune.
Despite various measures having been put in place by the state and Central governments prices have been on fire and imports are now being made to cool down the retail level spike.
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