Pawar didn’t blame anyone for price rise, says Cong | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pawar didn’t blame anyone for price rise, says Cong

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Jan 25, 2010 11:59 PM IST

Refusing to be drawn into a controversy over the remarks of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar about collective responsibility of the Cabinet on the pricing policy, the Congress said the minister has only emphasised the constitutional position.

Worried about continuing price rise, the Congress downplayed alliance partner and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s remarks that policy decisions, including price policy, are a matter collective responsibility of the Cabinet.

HT Image
HT Image

Pawar’s comments were seen as an attempt to spread out the blame.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Congress, however, claimed that the minister was not blaming anyone.

“He (Pawar) was simply stating the Constitutional position. Checking price rise is the collective responsibility of the central government, different ministries and the state governments. The Congress also wants that collectively, the Government of India and state governments work to bring prices under control,” spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said.

According to his colleague Manish Tewari: “So far as the Congress is concerned, the union agriculture ministry needs to work proactively with the state governments to see that the prices settle down.”

But he added there was a division of the government in various departments that look at the specific subjects.

Ahmed said acting against hoarders and black marketers was the responsibility of states. He also sought to cap the controversy over the inclusion of Pakistani former air force chief in an advertisement brought out by Krishna Tirath’s Ministry of Women and Child Development saying that an inquiry had been ordered.

He said, “The PMO has issued a regret note (on the issue)… Only after the inquiry it will be known who was responsible for it… You will come to know of the findings.”

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On