Kolkata and Delhi-based Akhbar-e-Mashriq in its editorial on March 31 wrote that the price rise might prove to be “a nail in the UPA government’s coffin”. It said that “Sonia Gandhi has sounded the electoral bugle” following some welcome budgetary measures. But inspite of those gains, the UPA government is proving unsuccessful in controlling prices. “If no strict measures are taken in the next few days and no solid change is visible on this front, the people would take the path of revolt and it would be not a surprise if there are food riots in the country,” it warned.

Hyderabad-based Siasat in its editorial, ‘Effective plan of action necessary’ (April 2), wrote that this is the best opportunity for political parties to derive political benefits. But what really demands attention now are the difficulties of the common man (aam aadmi) who is not in a position to face the onslaught of rising prices. Among the strong steps suggested by the paper are making the public distribution system effective and providing essential commodities at concessional prices to the 22 per cent people of the country who live below the poverty line. Patna and Ranchi-based Qaumi Tanzeem in its editorial (April 3) reminded the government of past experiences of rising prices of onion resulting in the fall of the BJP government of Delhi in 1998 and the hike in price of diesel by the Chandra Shekhar government at the Centre and its adverse impact.

A book for a book

... contd.