'Let sugar become expensive': BJP minister Vijayvargiya's odd take on price spike

New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh politician Kailash Vijayvargiya, a member of the BJP, suggested sugar prices should rise to encourage older individuals to limit their consumption during the upcoming festival season, amid opposition criticism over escalating sugar costs. Speaking to reporters in Indore, Vijayvargiya proposed that only children should have access to inexpensive sugar through government fair-price shops, while the elderly should abstain entirely.

He added that those over 40 might consume jaggery sparingly but should avoid sugar altogether. The BJP leader, who claims to abstain from sweets himself, stated that 90% of people no longer enjoy sweets. This statement sparked criticism from opposition leader Jitu Patwari of the Congress party, who accused BJP leaders of dismissing the struggles of families facing inflation.

Patwari warned that voters would react to the BJP's remarks in upcoming elections, predicting a response of laughter that could quickly turn into tears. Meanwhile, retail sugar prices continued to climb for the second day in a row, following government data indicating an increase to Rs 65.05 per kg from Rs 63.97 per kg the previous day.