Wednesday, July 5 2006 18:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A meeting of Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states convened by party chief Sonia Gandhi in the wake of growing attacks on the party-led coalition on spiralling prices of essential commodities today sought to blame the erstwhile BJP-led coalition for the development.

The meeting, also attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saw the Chief Ministers requesting that the Order issued by the NDA Government on Feb 15, 2002, rescinding all Control orders under the Essential Commodities Act should be reconsidered. Gandhi, concerned over the price rise, convened the meeting in the backdrop of Left parties announcing an agitation next week on the issue and main Opposition BJP also attacking the government.

Citing the difficulties caused by the Order to them, the Chief Ministers wanted that the states be empowered to intervene in case of hoarding of essential commodities. The meeting also wanted forward trading in foodgrains and some other essential commodities to be 'better regulated' in order to curb 'excessive speculation'.

Prime Minister assured them that his government would look into both the matters, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and AICC General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said briefing reporters after the two-hour long meeting.

Mukherjee, however, dismissed suggestions that the exercise initiated by Gandhi meant isolation of the Prime Minister. "Where is the question of isolation? A Prime Minister is a Prime Minister", he retorted.