Patel defends Pawar on price rise

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel today came out in strong defence of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar facing criticism for price rise and said all decisions on the issue were taken collectively.

Senior NCP leader Praful Patel on Monday came out in strong defence of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar facing criticism for price rise and said all decisions on the issue were taken collectively.

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Terming the price rise as unfortunate, Patel told reporters that the whole issue was politicised by some section of politicians and Pawar was being cornered. He categorically denied that Pawar was criticised by the prime minister.

"None of the top Congress leaders or ministers have blamed Pawar for the price rise," he said, adding, all decisions are taken on controlling prices by the Cabinet Committee and it is a collective decision.

Patel said this year there was a huge drop in production of pulses all over the world and only 50 million tonnes was
available and India has imported 35 MT. Price rise is not a new thing, he said.

On Vidarbha issue, the Union Civil Aviation Minister said his party's stand was quite clear and party was in strong
favour of creation of Vidarbha. To a question, he said it will happen only when Congress takes a decision on creation of
smaller states.

"NCP and our president Sharad Pawar have time and again expressed their views on statehood to Vidarbha," he added.