Onus now on Modi govt to tackle price rise: Sharad Pawar

Mumbai, Jun 25:

president

on Wednesday said the onus of tackling

is with the Narendra Modi government and it cannot escape the responsibility by saying "tough decisions" are necessary to improve the

.

Addressing an extended working committee meeting of Maharashtra NCP unit, Pawar said Modi had criticised the previous UPA government on the issue of price rise, saying the "maa-beta" government should go.

"Since rail freight prices have increased by 6.5 per cent, prices of essential supplies are set to increase. It remains to be seen how the government tackles price rise," he said.

Pawar said NCP will play the role of a constructive opposition and keep a watch on how the government brings down prices.

Passenger fare hike has not been rolled back completely, he said, adding, "a partial rollback is farce as it excludes only upto 80 km for second class travel."

The former Union agriculture minister expressed concern over the looming threat of drought due to deficient rains predicted this year. Situation with regard to availability of seeds and fertilisers is also precarious, he said.

PTI