Pulses price rise: CM should listen to his wife, quips Shiv Sena

Mumbai: In a sarcastic comment over soaring prices of pulses and other kitchen staples, the Shiv Sena on Friday advised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to listen to his wife and bring the rates under control.

"People who voted for a change should atleast be able to buy their food. This government is not for the hoarders and black-marketeers. The CM's wife has now spoken against the price rise, for which we are thankful to her, the CM should listen to his wife," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

It said that around 40,000 metric tonnes of seized dal was lying unused in godowns.

"Has it been left there to rot? Let that dal go to the plates of common man. If not, has it been kept there to be used as a memorial for those who lose their lives due to hunger or for Adivasi children who die of malnutrition?" the ruling alliance partner demanded.

"As soon as the prices of pulses rose, the government started raiding the places of those hoarding them. Inspite of all this, the prices have not yet come down," it rued.

"The BJP had said that (tur) dal will be sold at Rs 100 per kg. The people of the state are still waiting for it. If they are able to sell dal at the said rate, we are ready to give full credit for it to the CM and BJP ministers," the party said.

According to Shiv Sena, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis told reporters yesterday that the dal prices, that is pinching the pockets of common man should be brought under control.

If the prices of pulses, a necessity, is to be brought under control, then middlemen should be kept away from farmers and consumers, she had said.