The BJP held the UPA government responsible for rise in the prices of food and other essential commodities. Initiating a debate in the Rajya Sabha, senior party leader, Venkaiah Naidu alleged that the government has failed in its fiscal, monetary and market intervention measures to contain inflation. He said, the inflation touched the highest 18 to 20 per cent. Giving details about the hike in the prices of essential commodities, Mr Naidu said, the Prime Minister is silent. He said, the increase in the prices of petroleum products has a cascading effect on all commodities. He said, the government has failed to take effectives steps to check the prices of fertilizers and black marketing.

Dr Prabha Thakur of the Congress said, the UPA government is committed to the welfare of the common man and has taken several measures in this regard. She said, the government is making all out efforts to address the issue of inflation. She alleged that the opposition has not come out with concrete suggestions.

Mr Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM demanded ban of forward trading in agriculture sector and roll back of petrol prices. He also demanded that surplus food grains should be given to the states on BPL rates. He said, these measures will be effective in controlling the prices of essential commodities. He alleged that increase in petroleum prices in the name of under-recoveries to the oil marketing companies is false as these companies earn 90 thousand crores rupees as profit as per their audited accounts.