The official mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ of Shiv Sena has targeted the Narendra Modi-led central government for its handling of the surging prices of essential commodities in India. In an editorial, the party expressed concerns about the escalating inflation and the potential shortage of staple goods like grains, pulses, and sugar.
The editorial asserts that inflation has reached alarming levels, causing essential commodity prices to soar. The situation has sparked fears of scarcity among the public. The editorial also raises questions about whether the government is adequately addressing these issues and providing relief to the common citizens grappling with the financial strain caused by inflation.
The editorial takes a critical stance on the government’s priorities, stating, “This government is merely busy breaking the Opposition parties, unleashing central agencies to harass Opposition leaders and resorting to politics while people continue to suffer.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes under scrutiny in the editorial, with Shiv Sena accusing him of being silent on the matter of runaway inflation. The editorial remarks, “He brags about the country being on course to becoming the third biggest in the world but a ‘mauni (silent) baba’ on the issue of runaway inflation.” It further highlights the discrepancy between the government’s claims and the current realities faced by the citizens.
The editorial paints a dire picture, depicting citizens already grappling with inflation now facing the prospect of shortages in essential food items. Amidst these challenges, the Shiv Sena editorial asserts that those in power at the center remain indifferent.
The political context is significant, as Shiv Sena underwent a split when Eknath Shinde left the party along with a majority of MLAs to join BJP and form a government in June of the previous year. Ajit Pawar similarly led the majority of NCP MLAs to join the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government. As the nation navigates the complexities of inflation and essential commodity prices, the editorial reflects the sentiments of a significant political voice in India.
