'Sonia could have advised followers to abstain from hartal: VS

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 16 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said, ''if Congress President Sonia Gandhi had clear political vision, she could have advised her followers in the state to keep away from the proposed hartal called by United Democratic Front (UDF) on February 19.'' In a statement here, Mr Achuthanandan said the prices of essential commodities increased due to wrong policies pursued by the Centre.

''Ms Gandhi, during her recent visit to the state, herself had stated that the hike remained uncontrollable and sought the Centre's interference to check it,'' he said Mr Achuthanandan said the prices increased because the Centre had reduced the ration quota by 82 per cent.

UNI CGV AJ RAR RN2144