| In a strong statement, the party said: "The riots (in Bengal) reflect the enormous deficiencies in the availability, distribution, pricing and regulatory system in that state." |
| Taking a dig at the Left parties, the Congress quipped, "Those who profess concern for the poorest of the poor should immediately set their own house in order." |
| The party further said, "All other slogans, shibboleths and controversies are secondary compared to the basic food needs of the people of West Bengal." |
| "The state government can neither abdicate nor transfer its vital role and responsibility in that regard," it added. |
| Meanwhile, after becoming the targets of mob violence, ration dealers across West Bengal today started surrendering their licences en masse in protest against alleged failure of the state administration to provide security to them. |
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