The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an important ally of the UPA, is holding its national convention in the capital, where NCP chief and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar raised the controversial issue of price rise.

He said that 312 districts were drought affected this year as a result of which the kharif crop suffered affecting the prices, adding that the state governments should take steps to protect its citizens against price rise.

"I hope state governments will take steps to protect its citizens against prise rise. We have taken steps and trying our level best," Pawar said while addressing the rally.

However, Pawar also assured that the Central government would assist the states in controlling prices in whatever ways possible.

"Although the soaring prices is a global phenomenon, the government is making determined efforts to contain the prices of food grains and essential commodities," he said admitting that "unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities have created a serious difficulty for people".

But Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has hit back, blaming what he calls faulty policies of the Centre.

"The situation in Bihar is under control. We have enough supplies. But there is a rise in inflation and if the central government had done something in time, it could have been kept under control. But their policies are to blame for the inflation," Nitish said.

The NCP leader said that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) faced one of the worst droughts which affected 312 districts across India. As a result of which Kharif crops have suffered, leading to rise in prices of  rice and sugar.