Characteristically forthright, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh publicly acknowledged skyrocketing commodity prices but sought to assure voters at his first election rally in Haryana that “the worst is over.”
Addressing crowds of listeners at Ambala’s own Hyde Park, the vast Gandhi Maidan, Dr Singh deliberately charted a different course from most local Congressmen who have been trying hard to bury or simply ignore the inescapable fact of rising prices.
“I am aware of the immense difficulties faced by common people because of rising prices. I know that this is bothering people greatly, but we are past the worst. With a good Rabi harvest we should be able to stabilise prices,” he said while listing several extraneous factors that have contributed to high prices.
“Food prices have shot up in the international market. Also the curtailed monsoon rains and consequent drought-like conditions in many parts of the country have increased the cost of agricultural production for our farmers. All this has contributed to price rise,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s candid approach to electioneering could serve to blunt the Opposition’s tirade on the issue that is commonly affecting all people. Just two days ago at a venue just a few hundred meters from Gandhi Maidan, BJP leader L.K. Advani had exhorted people to hand out “dal and roti” when Congress candidates came around seeking their votes.
And though lacking the fiery rhetoric that many of his political rivals can boast of, Dr Singh’s quiet and composed manner had many among his audience nodding in agreement. “He is right. This is a problem across the world,” said Ms Amritsa Singh, a young Ambala housewife who is having a tough time balancing her household budget.
The housewife was among only a handful of womenfolk who came out to hear Dr Singh on Wednesday afternoon. “This is primarily a Hindu and Sikh area and our women are all busy with the festival of Karva Chauth today,” said a local trader.
During his 20-minute speech, the Prime Minister took the time to enumerate the many achievements of the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government.
“Haryana’s budget has grown from Rs. 2,300 crores in 2005 to Rs 11,000 crores this year. Crime has come down and there is now an environment of peace. Greater investments in the state have created new jobs and welfare schemes have trickled down to every section of society. Today Haryana has amongst the highest per capita income in the country,” he said.
“I have full faith that you will re-elect the Congress in this election. People know only the Congress can take the country and this state ahead,” Dr Singh said.
DC
