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SHRI VAIKO : This is not a good remark. Shri Sharad Pawar also wanted to come for the wedding. It is due to love and affection.
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During the recent Assembly elections, the hero was no political leader but onion, whose price went up to Rs. 60 per kilogram. The BJP Government in Delhi took commendable steps and provided onions at the rate of Rs. 10 per kilogram through cooperative outlets. I am sorry to say that only middlemen are involved in moving surplus commodities from one place to another for their personal gains. The traders' lobby is largely responsible for price rise of commodities, by way of hoarding and creating artificial scarcity. It was seen recently when salt was sold at Rs. 50 or Rs. 60 per kilogram in certain areas of Delhi for a day or two. Both the Central and the Delhi Governments rose to the occasion and put an end to the rumours of shortage and the problem of shortage was solved.
Sir, inflation is another factor responsible for price rise. The decline in the value of a rupee in terms of purchasing power has crushed the common man. Seeing the plight of the poor, the Cabinet Committee on Prices took some important decisions on 15th October. Though delayed, the Conference of Chief Ministers convened by the Prime Minister on 27th November to check prices is a welcome step. The 11-point resolution adopted at the Conference would certainly go a long way in checking prices even in the distant future.
Sir, the frequent fluctuation in the share market is only the tip of the iceberg. Such a situation only creates artificial inflation and results in price rise. Though eight months is not a long period to judge the performance of a Government, the performance of the BJP-led coalition Government is quite satisfactory, unlike what some political parties make out.
The ultimate loser is the common man. Since the common man is going through a crucial phase, we owe a duty to lend our support to the Government led by hon. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
On behalf of the AIADMK Party led by the Revolutionary Leader, Dr. Puratchi Thalaivi J. Jayalalitha, I thank you very much. With these words, I conclude.
Sir, during the old days, the rationalist and the reformer, Periyar Ramasamy used to compare silly things in politics with `vengayam'. What is known as `onions' in English is called `vengayam' in Tamil. At that time, he did not think that a time will come when there will be a discussion on the floor of the Indian Parliament about a particular commodity called `onions'. He has not denigrated this vegetable. But during his time, this vegetable was very cheap. Since it was very cheap, he compared the silly things with onions.
Sir, who is responsible for this price hike? Are you responsible or is the Opposition responsible for it? The responsibility lies with the Government. The responsibility for the price hike will definitely fall upon the party in power. Of course, in India, a coalition Government is in power. I am reminded of my own observations, in this august House, made during the discussion on the Confidence Motion. I had warned this Government that they have to be careful while deciding the things, and in having harmonious relationship with their own friends. My words have come true today. No doubt, they want to be in power. They want to have a very close association with their allies and in keeping them in good humour. But at the same time, they have forgotten to keep the prices of essential commodities under check. They were not seeing eye to eye. In their thinking and decision-making, the Government was so careless, lethargic and negligent that there was not only an escalation in the prices of essential commodities in the market, but it has also created scarcity and panic amongst the consumers. Is it not true? In a way, onions have become a very explosive thing. Now-a-days, the intensity of the onion is more powerful than the nuclear bombs that were exploded in Pokhran-II.
Sir, this is a clear warning to this Government. This is a clear warning to those who are in the helm of affairs of this country now. It seems that the outbursts and anger of the consumers have brought down many State Governments. It has brought down the Government in Delhi. It has thrown the Government out of power in Rajasthan. It is the BJP who have re-established the Congress. The party in power is responsible for all these things.
Sir, when this Government took over Office during May, 1998, the price of onion was Rs. 10 per kilogram. In the month of August, it was Rs. 13 per kilogram. In the month of September, it was Rs. 23 per kilogram. In October it went up to Rs. 33 per kilogram. In the month of November, the prices of onions skyrocketed to Rs. 60 per kilogram.
Now, let me quote the percentage variation in comparative terms, that is the Wholesale Price Index, as it was, during the United Front Government and, as it was, during this Government. On 15.11.97, the percentage variation of onion was -2.4 per cent and on 14.11.98, the percentage variation of the WPI was 298.5 per cent. As far as potato is concerned, the WPI on 15.11.97 was -53.7 per cent and in 14.11.98, the percentage variation of potato was 375.1 per cent. As far as tomato is concerned, during the United Front Government it was 21 per cent whereas during the rule of this Government it was 55 per cent. In case of mustard oil, during the United Front Government it was -8.6 per cent and during this Government it is 80 per cent. For groundnut oil, during the United Front Government it was -2.1 per cent, whereas during this Government it is 26.7 per cent. In case of dry chilli, during the United Front Government it was -18.7 per cent whereas during this Government it is 30.4 per cent.
SHRI VAIKO : Would you yield for a minute?
speak ... (Interruptions)
SHRI VAIKO : The United Front Government hiked the prices of petroleum products... (Interruptions)