There is ample salt, says UP CM Akhilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday denied rumours of salt shortage and added that there is sufficient salt in the state.

"Who said there is a shortage of salt? There is ample salt in the state, why spread rumours?" he told the media.

Earlier, the Delhi Government had released a circular describing measures to be taken immediately by officers in Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs to end rumours of salt shortage.

Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has asserted that there is absolutely no shortage of salt and that the prices are still the same.

A rumour of salt shortage which originated in Uttar Pradesh, triggered panic among citizens on Friday night, as a mad rush was seen at grocery stores were people were seeing leaving with several bags of salt.

In Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, there were reports of panicked customers flocking to market as rumours flew thick and fast.

Kicking into action, the state police detained a person in Rampur for spreading rumours.

In the national capital, tensions prevailed in Jamia Nagar area as residents pelted stones at police buses amid rumours of shortage of salt and hike in prices of the essential commodities.