BJP responsible for price rise: CM

Shimla, Aug 23 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition members during the debate on the price rise issue on the third day of the Monsoon session today.

Replying to the debate on the issue, which had remained inconclusive yesterday, State Civil Supplies Minister Singhi Ram said the state government had already taken steps to prevent hoarding and profiteering of commodities by traders and retailers.

He said the government was committed to safeguard the interests of the public and was ensuring that they were provided essential commodities and pulses at offordable rates.

On the other hand, he said the government would ensure that the farmers get remunerative prices for their produce, he said.

Earlier, intervening in the debate, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said since the BJP was a party of the traders, it had only safeguarded their interests during their tenure.

Blaming the BJP for the price rise in the country, he said the wrong policies pursued by the previous NDA government were to be blamed for the price rise.

Mr Singh said the amendments made in the Essential Commodities Act by the previous NDA government was preventing the state government from taking action against hoarders and profiteers, which was contested by the BJP members.

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