Opposition slams govt on price rise

New Delhi, July 9: Government today came under scathing attack from the opposition on the issue of price rise with members taking a dig at BJP, wondering where the "achche din" (good days), promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have gone.

In a discussion on price rise, they expressed concern over rising prices of essential commodities and asked the government to act against hoarders to contain inflation.

Initiating a discussion in Lok Sabha, Congress leader Amarinder Singh also demanded a complete ban on onion export to control its soaring prices.

The discussion under a rule that does not entail voting was taken up after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected the opposition notices on an adjournment motion on the issue and said she was ready to have a general discussion.

He asked "where is the achche din" promised by BJP during election campaign and slammed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's statement that food prices are under control and there is no need to panic.

Singh said the farmers who produce vegetables including potatoes, onion and tomatoes were selling their produce at low price and hoarders and middlemen were responsible for shooting up of prices such essential commodities.

"There has been a 250 per cent increase in the prices of onion, tomatoes and potatoes. Have you taken any step against middlemen? ...Tackle hoarding to control prices in the short run. I hope the government will take action against hoarders," he said.

BJP hit back, with its member Anurag Thakur saying the price rise being witnessed currently was a result of policies of the previous Congress-led government. He said prices of essential commodities were being kept under check by Narendra Modi government in total contrast to Manmohan Singh government when prices of food items rose manifold.

PTI