Manmohan Singh writes to States on rising prices and hoarding

New Delhi, Apr.15 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written to State Governments asking them to take strong measures against hoarding, believed to be one of the main reasons for short supply and rising prices.

Dr. Singh has also asked the State Governments to ensure that there's adequate supply of foodgrain.

The reported missive from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) came even as Parliament was adjourned for the day on Tuesday after uproar over price rise.

In the Lok Sabha, a discussion on prices was scheduled, but the BJP wanted a discussion that would entail voting on the issue, a demand that was rejected by the government.

BJP members then created an uproar, forcing Speaker Somnath Chatterjeeto adjourn the House till Wednesday. Chatterjee later told reporters that Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said that the government is now considering stronger fiscal measures to bring down prices.

Earlier in the day, the Left joined by some UNPA MPs staged a march to Parliament to protest against price rise.

While admitting that marching to Parliament is not the normal way for MPs to agitate, CPM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury said there was no other option.

He said rising prices could spell trouble for the ruling UPA coalition especially with elections coming up.

Yechury accused the Congress and the BJP of pursuing identical economic agenda and said it would not help if the Left were to withdraw support to the government because then the BJP would come to power and pursue the same policies.

ANI