EC gives nod to Delhi govt for buying onions

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission tonight gave its nod to Delhi government's proposal to buy onions, prices of which have soared in recent weeks causing anxiety to ruling Congress in the coming Assembly elections, and sell the kitchen staple at a cheaper rate.

Responding to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's request to the Commission for permission to sell onions in Delhi to check the spiralling prices, the poll body gave its nod to the proposal.

Dikshit had written to the Commission that Delhi government proposed to bring onions from Nashik and allow its sale in Delhi.

She had said that her government would not provide any subsidy on onions and would only bring onions from Nashik to increase its supply and help reduce prices.

Senior officials of Delhi government today reached Lasalgaon wholesale onion market in Nashik to buy the vegetable for distribution in Delhi. The Lasalgaon market is considered India's largest onion market.