Former MLA sends small boxes of sugar along with letters to BJP ministers, MPs and MLAs, says rising prices have ‘spoiled the festive spirit’
Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Amid rising sugar prices across the country, political criticism and unique forms of protest have also intensified. Ahead of the upcoming festive season, former Congress MLA Vikas Upadhyay targeted the BJP-led government over the rising prices of sugar and jaggery.
As part of his protest, Upadhyay packed small quantities of sugar into boxes and sent them by post to BJP ministers, MLAs, MPs and other public representatives. He also enclosed letters highlighting the increase in sugar prices.
‘Increased Ethanol Production Affecting Sugar Prices’
Vikas Upadhyay claimed that the increasing use of sugarcane for ethanol production has affected the availability and prices of sugar.
He alleged that sugar prices have reached around Rs 70 per kg, while jaggery prices have also increased. He said that if prices continue to rise, ordinary consumers may soon be forced to purchase sugar in grams rather than kilograms.
Upadhyay said he was sending a small box of sugar along with a letter to BJP public representatives to draw their attention to the issue.
‘Government Has Stopped Exports’
The former MLA alleged that inflation has increased significantly under the BJP government.
He said that while the government has restricted sugar exports, the increased diversion of sugarcane towards ethanol production has also affected sugar prices.
According to Upadhyay, the timing is particularly concerning because several major Indian festivals are approaching, including Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Utsav and Navratri.
“If sugar prices remain high during the festive season, the BJP government will have effectively made the festivals of ordinary Indians less enjoyable,” Upadhyay said.
Letters Also Being Sent to Smriti Irani
Upadhyay said sugar-filled boxes were being sent to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, state ministers, MPs and Rajya Sabha members.
He said the unusual protest was intended to highlight the difficulties faced by ordinary consumers who, according to him, can no longer easily afford sugar by the kilogram.
He also said letters and sugar boxes were being sent to Smriti Irani, referring to her earlier political promise concerning sugar prices.
‘BJP Came to Power on False Promises’
Upadhyay accused the BJP of coming to power on the basis of promises that, according to him, have not been fulfilled.
He said people who had placed their trust in the BJP and voted the party into power now feel disappointed.
“The BJP should be ashamed,” Upadhyay said, alleging that the rising prices of essential commodities have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary people.
The claims regarding sugar prices, ethanol production and the government’s policies are political allegations made by Vikas Upadhyay and have not been independently established in the statement.
