Controlling prices is a collective responsibility: Mukherjee

New Delhi, Aug 4 (ANI): Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that handling inflationary pressure is the collective responsibility of all political parties.

Responding to the price rise debate in Lok Sabha, Mukherjee said: " Price rise should be tackled by leaders across all the political parties.

"I seek the support of all political parties in this regard. If we don't present the Bill in the current session, the implementation of tax reforms will be further delayed," he added.

He further said the central government alone cannot be blamed for price rise as today seven states are being ruled by the opposition party at the centre; three by the Left parties and Uttar Pradesh by BSP.

Explaining the government's position on inflation, Mukherjee said the central government has already taken several measures to check spiralling prices, and urged the state governments to take steps to remove supply-side bottle necks.

Mukherjee earlier lost his cool over continuous protests by TDP and Shiv Sena members over the issue of construction of the Babhli barrage in Maharashtra.

"The House cannot be held to ransom", said Mukherjee.

He later apologised for losing his cool.

On Tuesday, leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj has said the opposition is disappointed that the Centre is not serious about tackling the continuous upsurge in inflation.

Accusing the government of raising prices of essential items after winning the elections in May last year, Swaraj said: " Congress had won the poll, but lost its morality."

She asserted that taxes are the highest in India on petroleum products, and the maximum taxes are shared by those states, which are ruled by the Congress Party. (ANI)