Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson (MPCC) Sachin Sawant told reporters here that it was known that pulse production will be less this year.
"Still restrictions of stocking was lifted in April this year. This decision resulted in spiralling increase in rates of pulses," he said.
"The steep rise in prices of pulses was a preplanned conspiracy of the ruling BJP and traders. After the restrictions were lifted hoarding of dal and fictitious price hike was done at the behest of private companies," he alleged.
He also hit out at Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Girish Bapat saying he was responsible for the mess.
"It is not yet clear what is the exact amount of stock seized. As per the Centre's figures 1.33 lakh metric tonne dal has been seized out of which 86,000 metric tonne is from Maharashtra while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said only 13,000 metric tonne dal will be auctioned. Where is the balance 73,000, metric tonne dal?," he questioned.