Pranab flays Left for low procurement of foodgrains

Kolkata, Apr 27 (UNI) Criticising the CPI(M) for launching a movement against the Centre for price rise, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today blamed the Left-ruled states for low procurement of foodgrains and inaction against hoarding.

''The procurement and stock of foodgrains in the CPI(M)-ruled states is very low. How can they get it on demand if they do not go for procurement ? Wheat and rice will not fall from the sky,'' he said while addressing a rally organised by Kolkata district Congress.

Mr Mukherjee, who had seldom made a public criticism of the Left -- the supporters of the UPA Government, even during the Indo-US nuclear treaty row, also alleged that the Left-ruled states were not taking any action against hoarders while protesting against the price hike.

''Those who are crying hoarse over the spiralling prices are actually benefiting the hoarders. They are not taking any action against hoarding.

One has to think actually what was the reason of price rise and efforts must be made to increase foodgrains production and procurement, he said.

The External Affairs Minister said barring the Congress no other party was able to develop the country alone and those who were now criticsing at the Congress had to go for tie-ups with it at one point of time or other.

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