Jaya calls 'Re 1 a kg' rice scheme a 'fraud'

Chennai, Sep 18 (UNI) Opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today described the ''Rupee a kg Rice'' Scheme and the sale of ten varieties of condiments at Rs 50 'as a fraud aimed at making political gains in the coming Lok Sabha elections.'' Launching a tirade against the DMK Government, the AIADMK leader, in a statement here, reiterated her charge the cheap rice scheme would only benefit the ruling partymen ''who had already resorted to smuggling the rice.'' She claimed the DMK Government announced the schemes, keeping in mind, the coming Lok Sabha elections.

But the people, who were fed up with rise in prices of almost all commodities and shortage of petrol, diesel and power, would teach a fitting lesson to the government in the elections.

''Like textile companies offering 'Aadi Thallupadi' (rebate during the Tamil month of Aadi) for sub-standard clothes,'' the DMK Government announced the populist schemes as ''Therdhal Thallupadi'' (election rebate), she alleged.

Ms Jayalalithaa said the quality of rice offered at the fair price shops was very poor and unfit for consumption. People would only end up getting diseases after consuming the rice, she charged.

Alleging State Minister Moideen Khan had openly supported smuggling ration rice while addressing a public meeting in Tirunelveli, the AIADMK leader wanted to know whether Chief Minister M Karunanidhi would take action against him.

She said the DMK Government's decision to make available ten items of condiments at Rs 50 for card holders was yet another fraud and impractical.

She asked whether the ten items would be enough for a family for a month. Moreover, one could get the same items at a lower price in the open market.

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