Mamata Banerjee tears into Centre over price rise, suggests "something must have happened"

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 9 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a press conference on the exorbitant price rise in the state. The Chief Minister also slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for some hidden conspiracy and failing to control the price rise.
"The prices of essential items have hit the roof. Price rise is not a state subject, it is a Central subject. But the central government has consistently failed to control the prices of essential commodities in the country. All of us are suffering because of this," Banerjee said on Tuesday.
"In the last 10 days, after the new government came to power, I think the price has risen even more. Something must have happened because of which common people are suffering," he added.
The Chief Minister also blamed the long drawn out election process held over a span of almost three months for the excessively high price rise.
"Election was in progress for three months. Everyone profited during this period. The government comes under the Election Commission during that time," she said.
The Trinamool chief also blamed the poll body for not taking care of such things.
"The Election Commission does not need to see all these. They can only change officers and bend before the ruling party. Even officers think that they do not need to work for three months," Banerjee said.
The Chief Minister said that even after monsoons, the prices of vegetables and essential commodities have not come down.
"Prices of several vegetables have shot through the roof. Even in the monsoons, the prices have not stablisized. People are afraid of going to markets," Banerjee said.
The Chief Minister also listed the prices of several essential vegetables, pointing out the increase in their prices as compared to last year.
The Chief Minister also suggested sourcing onions and producing them in the state rather than transporting it from Nashik. She suggested that onions can also be produced in West Bengal.
"Why are we transporting onions from Nashik? I have increased storage of onions...Why can't Bengal produce onions?" she said.
Speaking about the steps taken by her government to give relief to consumers, Banerjee said, "We are selling essential items at a decreased price of Rs 100 at various outlets of Sufal Bangla."
Sufal Bangla is an initiative of the West Bengal government to ensure fresh vegetables are available at reasonable price at people's doorstep.
The opposition, including the Trinamool Congress, has often criticised the Narendra Modi government at the Centre over inflation.