Chhattisgarh PDS Row as Congress Stages Chini Satyagraha Over Sugar Prices

The Chhattisgarh Congress on Friday staged a statewide ‘Chini Satyagraha’ protest against rising sugar prices and alleged that the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state had failed to control inflation.

The protest was held at all district headquarters across Chhattisgarh. In Raipur, the party’s district unit staged a demonstration at Rajiv Chowk, according to Sushil Anand Shukla, head of the Congress state communication wing.

State Congress president Deepak Baij said the Centre’s “anti-people policies” and high taxation were responsible for the rise in prices. He said increasing prices had affected household budgets and made life difficult for middle-class families.

In a statement, Baij said the Congress was raising people’s concerns through the ‘Chini Satyagraha’ and alleged that sugar was not available at ration shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Congress claimed that poor and middle-class families were being forced to purchase sugar from the open market at Rs 60-70 per kg for festivals and daily consumption.

Baij also alleged that chana (gram) and jaggery had not been available for months in Bastar and Surguja. He further alleged that hoarders were benefiting from the situation.

The Congress demanded the immediate restoration of sugar supplies at all PDS shops. The party also warned that it would intensify its agitation, taking the protest from the streets to the state Assembly, if the issue was not resolved.

Baij said previous Congress governments had ensured the timely availability of sugar, salt, rice, gram and jaggery at ration shops.

The protest comes amid the Congress’ allegations over the availability of essential commodities through the PDS and rising prices of sugar in the open market. The party has sought immediate action to restore supplies and address the concerns of consumers.

The allegations made by the Congress are expected to put the availability of essential commodities through the PDS and the issue of rising food prices under greater political focus in the state.