Rising pulses prices 'conspiracy' of BJP, traders: Maha Cong

Maharashtra Congress today alleged that the steep rise in prices of pulses was a "preplanned conspiracy" of the ruling BJP and traders.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson (MPCC) Sachin Sawant told reporters here that it was known that pulse production will be less this year.
"Still restrictions of stocking was lifted in April this year. This decision resulted in spiralling increase in rates of pulses," he said.
"The steep rise in prices of pulses was a preplanned conspiracy of the ruling BJP and traders. After the restrictions were lifted hoarding of dal and fictitious price hike was done at the behest of private companies," he alleged.

Sawant said seizure of oil seeds stock and filing of cases against a company in Kolhapur close to BJP leadership was enough to prove the complicity.
He also hit out at Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Girish Bapat saying he was responsible for the mess.
"It is not yet clear what is the exact amount of stock seized. As per the Centre's figures 1.33 lakh metric tonne dal has been seized out of which 86,000 metric tonne is from Maharashtra while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said only 13,000 metric tonne dal will be auctioned. Where is the balance 73,000, metric tonne dal?," he questioned.

"Instead of auction why has the seized stock not given to Public Distribution System. Why is the government shielding the hoarders," he asked.