FM says prices to be controlled, but Left,BJP stage walk out

New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today gave a categorical assurance in the Rajya Sabha that prices will be kept under check, and sought co-operation of the State government in curbing anti-social activites like blackmarketing and hoarding.

Replying to a debate in the House on rise in prices of essential commodities, Mr Chidambaram said inflation rate had stablised in recent months and the government will leave no stone unturned, including taking recourse to fiscal and monetary measures, to bring prices down.

Defending stoutly the steps the government has taken to bring inflationary expectations under control, Mr Chidambaram assured all help to State Governments in curbing activities relating to blackmarketing and hoarding.

However, he assured full co-operation of the Centre in this regard.

Dissatisfied with the Minister's reply, the Left parties, which are supporting the UPA government, and the BJP staged a walk out.

The Minister said the xxxx Eds: Picking up from para three, line one of PAR 52 'LEAD PRICE RISE-DEBATE RS' UNI NAZ Vd BD2025