Sops to ryots led to price rise: Rosaiah

Why did prices of essential commodities go up? Because, the Government, in a bid to help the farmers,  has raised the support price of agricultural produce. This view the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr K Rosaiah, wants every one to believe as the reason for increased prices of essentials.

Continuing his two-day visit in the district, the Chief Minister said the Government was making efforts to reduce prices of essential commodities. Price-rise is a flimsy ground to make an agitation, the Opposition has resorted to, he said.

Since the Opposition parties have nothing else to do, they have taken up such a flimsy issue as prices of essential commodities for gaining political mileage, Dr Rosaiah stated.

Focusing the attention of his speech to the issue of bogus ration cards, the Chief Minister assured the genuine card holders that the Government would  take steps to protect their interest and weed fake ones.

Defending the Government move to reduce seats in IIITs, he said the move was aimed at providing better infrastructure facilities to the existing students. Nothing will be done to discontinue the welfare schemes launched by former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, he assured the people.

He said the Congress High Command will take a final decision on expansion of his Cabinet.