The Congress yesterday said the government's initiative to stem price rise had come a day too late and only after middlemen had made hefty profits.
In a statement, signed by its economic affairs department secretary Jairam Ramesh, the party demanded that onions and potatoes be put on the essential commodities list to facilitate action against hoarders.
It blamed the BJP and its coalition partners, who were in power in 12 states, for not taking any action against hoarders in their states.
The measures to check prices should have been taken in May-June when it became clear that there would be pressure on prices of foodgrains and other essential commodities, the statement said and alleged that the BJP did not want to touch hoarders who formed its support base.
Besides, it was a mistake to announce the import of 60,000 tonnes of onions before the signing of the contract. This caused international prices to firm up to India's disadvantage.
Congress asked the government to come out with details on how much onions had actually been imported.
