M.P. Minister’s remarks on sugar price surge draw Congress’ ire

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya defended the rising sugar prices, suggesting they should become "very expensive" while encouraging people to consume less. Vijayvargiya's comments came as opposition leaders blamed the Centre's ethanol policy and alleged that sugar cane was being diverted for ethanol production, which is blended into petrol.

The minister stated that 90% of people do not enjoy sweets, and he personally does not consume them. He added that sugar should be expensive and only available at cheap rates at government fair-price shops for children, while the elderly should avoid it entirely, as doctors do not consider sugar consumption beneficial after the age of 40.

Opposition leader Jitu Patwari of the M.P. Congress termed Vijayvargiya's remarks as an "insult" to poor and middle-class people, claiming that BJP leaders had previously promised sugar at ₹13/kg but are now advising people to consume less, insulting and mocking them. The Union Government responded to the criticism by saying it is closely monitoring the situation, citing factors such as lower domestic production, increased demand ahead of the festive season, weather-related damage to the sugar cane crop, global sugar supply tightening, and speculation and hoarding by some industry sections.