New Delhi: The Congress today found itself in an uncomfortable position on the decision to import wheat, while the government sought to direct queries on the controversial matter to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. The AICC briefing saw virtual grilling of party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi, with reporters asking searching questions, including the need for the costly imports at a time when there was a bumper harvest in the offing.

Singhvi was also asked why the government led by Congress, swearing by the aam admi (common man), was helping the foreign farmers at the cost of the Indian farmers by going in for the imports. The AICC spokesman was also subjected to queries regarding price rise and his answer was "the overall situation in the country is diminishing prices and galloping growth" failed to satisfy the scribes.

Singhvi sought to justify the imports, saying these were long-term contracts that are being implemented now. Faced with a barrage of questions on the issue, he said, "We will check with the Agriculture Minister."

Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi remarked: "I am not competent to answer your queries. Ask the BCCI chief and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar." At the outset, he said every import is done by STC (State Trading Corporation) and MMTC (Mines and Minerals Trading Corporation) and "whatever we do, we are answerable to Parliament." He said on food security, the government "cannot make an inch of compromise".

Earlier in the day, the Left parties said they smelt a rat in the decision to import nearly eight lakh tonnes of wheat at Rs 1,600 per quintal.