Bihar Minister's Bizarre "Diabetes" Logic Over Sugar Price Hike

PATNA: Bihar rural development minister Shrawan Kumar made headlines recently by stating that the rising sugar price will not significantly affect people, as they are already cautious about their sugar consumption due to the growing number of pre-diabetic and diabetic cases. Kumar told reporters, "Due to increasing cases of diabetic patients, people are not taking sweets.

They take less sweets," adding, "Everyone seems to be suffering from diabetes. I don't think the rise in the price of sugar will make much of a difference."

The minister's claim quickly spread on social media, with some reactions expressing surprise. The opposition party RJD criticized Kumar, pointing out that rising sugar prices have impacted common citizens who traditionally use sugar in their tea or with bread and biscuits. RJD state spokesman Ejaj Ahmad questioned Kumar's priorities, noting that the price increase was a result of the central government's policy, as sugarcane is used to produce ethanol mixed with petrol.

Ahmad also indirectly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has previously expressed his tea-selling background. Meanwhile, the retail sugar price stands at Rs 64 per kg, a rise of Rs 16 over the past week. A local grocery shop owner also mentioned that onion prices have been surging and could further increase during the 'Raksha Bandhan' festival.