Prasad said there has been a sudden increase in prices after the submission of the report of the 6th Pay Commission and this should be investigated.

"Why have prices gone up all of a sudden after the report of the pay commission came out? There is no shortage of commodities and yet the consumers have to pay more. This is the handiwork of BJP-sponsored traders," he said.

"This is being done so that we do not do well in elections," Prasad said.

Further criticising the BJP, he said while the saffron party has been attacking the Government over price rise, the states that are under its rule have failed to take steps to control the prices of essential commodities.

"The centre had empowered the states to take steps to control prices of essential commodities. Only five states have done it so far. And none of the BJP-ruled states have done it," Prasad said.

• Inflation, the silent killer!