Maha govt encouraging black marketing of dal, pulses: MPCC

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today alleged that the BJP-led state government was encouraging black marketing of dal and pulses around the festive season.
"The Congress is shocked and surprised over the government's move, in which dal and pulses seized from hoarders, were handed over to them for sale in the market, which is nothing but encouraging black marketing," MPCC president Ashok Chavan said here.
"It was never heard in the past that the essential commodities, the prices of which have skyrocketed, are seized from errant traders and then returned to them, who are now selling in the open market at high prices," he added.

Retail prices of some of the pulses and dal, like the tur dal, have crossed Rs 200 and the state government was duty-bound to route it through the distribution of seizure material through fair price shops to contain the prices, Chavan added.
The Congress leader alleged that instead of initiating criminal proceedings, the government was shielding the black marketeers.
Opposition leader in the State Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who was also present, ridiculed the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena for indulging in "cheap tactics" of selling dal in packets.
Chavan, Vikhe Patil, former MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre other senior party leaders from Maharashtra were here today to address a strategy meeting of the party ahead of the Winter Session of State Legislature commencing here from December 7.

Chavan said the party will take out a rally on December 7, the first day of Winter session to protest against certain policies of the state government.