Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 4: Former union minister, Oscar Fernandes, said that the central government has been undertaking various measures to control the prices of essential commodities in all earnestness. He also said that the government is in talks with the opposition to find an amicable solution to the impasse created by the deadlock between the ruling party and the opposition. He was speaking to reporters at Suratkal on Monday January 3.

“Petroleum prices at the international level have displayed volatility of late. Price of onion, which reached dizzy heights recently, will soon come down. All steps necessary to control undue price rise have been undertaken,” he explained. He assured that the government will continue to extend subsidy for kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas, knowing fully well that these commodities are very essential for the poor people.

He claimed that the central government has been giving prime importance to give a people-centric administration, and rooting out corruption, and that because of these measures, it is gaining in popularity. He predicted that most of the taluk and zilla panchayats will come into the Congress fold this time. Oscar also revealed that the district units concerned will be authorized to enter into an alliance with like-minded parties to wrest power in taluk and zilla panchayats.

Reiterating that his party is committed to fight out corruption, he said that the parliamentary party meeting will decide about the course of action the party has to pursue during the next session of the Lok Sabha.

Replying to a question, he predicted that the coming budget will be people-friendly and that it will have specific measures aimed at keeping inflation to the minimum, and bringing down prices of commodities.