Sonia not aware of fact about West Bengal : Biman

Kolkata, Apr 28 (UNI) Reacting strongly to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's criticism of the Left-ruled states for price rise of essentials, CPI(M) state Secretary Biman Basu today said the she was unaware of the fact about West Bengal and had been wrongly informed.

'' No state government is at fault for the price rise. It is only the Centre, which is wholly responsbile, '' Mr Basu told reporters hours after Ms Gandhi flayed the Left on several counts at public rallies at Berhampore and Malda.

Observing that the agricultural crisis in the country soared high, Mr Basu said the nationwide production came down by four per cent. '' But agricultural production in West Bengal has risen by two per cent. This she does not know, '' he said.

'' Ms Gandhi has matured so much in politics. Buth those who feed her with information have misinformed her, '' he said.

Earlier, Ms Gandhi expressed concern at the skyrocketing prices of essentials, but averred that the state governments also could not wash their hands off.

Addressing public meetings at Behrampore and Malda, Ms Gandhi said, '' Though the rising price of essentials is really a matter of concern, but the State Governments also cannot shrug off their responsibility. '' UNI KDG SJC RN 2002