The ruling Congress on Thursday refuted the Left charge about spiralling prices of essential commodities and justified wheat imports, even as the Left sought to turn the heat on the Government on these issues. “The overall situation in the country is one of diminishing prices and galloping growth,” said Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi. As for wheat imports, he said long-term contracts were being implemented now and bumper harvest would ease the situation in future only.The Left parties earlier questioned the Government’s decision to import wheat at the rate of Rs 1,600 per quintal when domestic farmers were offered almost half that rate (Rs 850 per quintal). They also saw no need for imports as bumper harvest of wheat is expected this year. Singhvi was fumbling for words to answer to queries as to why the ruling Congress, which had come to power on the aam admi plank, was now benefiting foreign farmers at the cost of domestic ones through imports. “Inflation is down and GDP rate is growing for Indian farmers” was all that he offered as response.Government sources defended Pawar saying that importing wheat was not solely the Minister’s decision and it was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Besides, due to floods in some parts of the country, which would not only affect overall harvest but would also accentuate the requirement of foodgrains for relief works, the Government did not want to take any chance in maintaining its buffer stocks, said sources. Also, mid-day meal net has been widened.Both the Congress and the Government, however, chose to direct all queries regarding wheat imports to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. “We may check up with the Agriculture Minister or you may direct this question to him,” Singhvi told reporters.“I am not competent to answer your queries. Ask BCCI chief and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi. At the outset, he said, every import is done by STC (State Trading Corporation) and MMTC (Mines and Minerals Trading Corporation) and “whatever we do, we are answerable to Parliament”. Dasmunsi said the Government “cannot make an inch of compromise” on food security. Pawar told The Indian Express that he would answer all queries on this issue in Parliament on Tuesday.
