"Not Saying No Inflation": Finance Minister In Rajya Sabha On Price Rise

The Trinamool Congress staged a walkout during the finance minister's speech.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, responding to the debate on price rise in Rajya Sabha, today said India's macroeconomic fundamentals are strong. She also argued against the opposition's contention that the government is in denial about price rise. "We are not saying there is no inflation... We are at 7 per cent (inflation rate) now because of some effort by Reserve Bank of India and the government," she said.   

The Trinamool Congress staged a walkout during the finance minister's speech. Ms Sitharaman, party MP Dola Sen said, had made an unnecessary reference to West Bengal, accusing it of levying GST on paneer. When party MP Derek O'Brien asked for a Point of Order, it was not granted.  

"We walk out in protest. You don't want to give us a chance to speak," Mr O"Brien said.  

The opposition parties in Rajya Sabha had appealed to the government to acknowledge the problem of rising inflation -- which is hitting the poor -- and fix it. The ruling BJP, however, asserted that the problem was a fallout of global development beyond the control of any country.