“Sugar prices have risen from ₹48 to ₹62–65 per kg and jaggery from ₹60 to ₹100 per kg, directly impacting the common man’s kitchen” — Rao Narender Singh

Chandigarh/Jind: Under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee in-charge Sanjay Dutt and Pradesh Congress President Rao Narender Singh, an organizational interaction was held today in Jind with leaders and workers from the Jind, Julana, Narwana, Safidon and Uchana Assembly constituencies. A meeting of the Jind District Congress Committee executive was also held during the programme. Discussions focused on strengthening the organization up to the booth level and effectively raising issues concerning the people.

Pradesh Congress President Rao Narender Singh targeted the BJP government over rising inflation and said that the common man is already struggling with inflation and increasing household expenses, while the prices of essential commodities continue to rise. He said that sugar, which people were purchasing for around ₹48 per kg until recently, has now reached ₹62–65 per kg. Similarly, jaggery, which was available at around ₹60 per kg nearly 15 days ago, is now being sold for up to ₹100 per kg.

Rao Narender Singh said that the rise in sugar and jaggery prices is not limited to tea alone. It directly affects the prices of sweets, chocolates, kheer, milk, juices and other food products as well. Demand for these items increases during the festive season, and the sudden rise in prices has disturbed the budgets of ordinary families.

He said that consumers as well as traders are concerned about the rising prices of sugar and jaggery in the market. The government should take immediate and effective measures instead of merely issuing statements, so that prices remain under control and there is no situation of black marketing or hoarding during the festive season.

The Pradesh Congress President said that, according to information being received from traders and the market, lower-than-expected sugar production this year, along with decisions related to sugar exports and ethanol, are also being cited among the reasons behind the rise in prices. Despite the stock limits imposed by the government from August 1, if market prices are not coming down, the matter should be thoroughly investigated.

Rao Narender Singh said that at a time when unemployment, inflation and rising household expenses have already increased the difficulties faced by ordinary families, the rise in prices of everyday essentials raises questions about the government’s policies. The government should look beyond statistics and announcements, assess the actual situation in the market and take concrete steps to provide relief to the common people.

He said that the prices of almonds and other food items have also increased. Almonds, which were available at around ₹900 per kg about a month ago, have now reached approximately ₹1,100 per kg. The impact of inflation is directly affecting the kitchens and household budgets of middle-class and poor families.

Former Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Chaudhary Birender Singh, MP Satpal Brahmachari, MLA Vinesh Phogat, former MP Brijendra Singh, Jind District Congress Committee President Rishipal, former MLA Subhash Gangoli, Rambhaj and Satbir Dablan, along with a large number of Congress leaders and workers, were present at the meeting.

Rao Narender Singh said that Congress workers would strengthen the organization while reaching out to the people and raising their genuine concerns. He said that the Congress would continue to strongly raise issues related to the anti-people policies of the BJP government and matters affecting the common people.

Pradesh Congress President Rao Narender Singh also called upon Congress leaders and workers to participate in large numbers in the protest by HKRN employees at Sector 6, Panchkula, on August 19. He said that the Congress stands firmly with the youth and employees of Haryana in their fight for their rights. He appealed to party workers to reach the protest along with as many colleagues as possible and lend strength to the voice of HKRN employees.