Centre blamed for price rise

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 (PTI) The CPI(M)-led ruling LDFin Kerala today blamed the Centre for skyrocketing prices ofessential commodities and said frequent hikes in petrol priceshad aggravated inflation.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said allowing speculativeand futures trading of foodgrains, decontrol of petroleumprices and handing over to corporates the upkeep of FoodCorporation of India godowns had led to the present crisis.

He flayed the Centre for not taking steps to control pricesand said the recent meeting held by Prime Minister ManmohanSingh to chalk out a strategy to combat inflation was anattempt to "hoodwink" people.

Achuthanandan said the LDF government was trying its bestto contain price rise by supplying essential food items atsubsidised rates.

"Rs 600 crore has been earmarked every year for subsidy onfood items," he said.