Kerala Governor Mr R S Gavai has said that the Left democratic Front, LDF, government of the state is taking new measures to contain escalating prices of essential items. In his customary speech on the first day of the budget session of the state Assembly on Friday, Mr Gavai said that 13 essential items will be made available through the public distribution system spending 337 crore rupees. He urged the Centre to shoulder half of this expense. Pointing out that food inflation has severely affected social security measures adopted by Kerala, the Governor said that frequent increase in oil prices is one of the main reasons for this. In his speech Mr Gavai also expressed deep concern in growing corruption especially at the national level. He stated that Kerala continues to be one of the best administered states in India. However, later in a press conference Opposition leader Ooomman Chandy said that the Governor's speech amounts to LDF manifesto and claims of achievements are farther from truth.