New Delhi: The ban on cotton export is likely to be lifted on Friday but the question right now is that, was the decision not a conflict of interest for Commerce Minister Anand Sharma who heads both the Commerce and Textiles ministries?
Sharad Pawar, Pranab Mukherjee and Anand Sharma met for almost two hours on the directions of the Prime Minister to review the Commerce Ministry's decision to ban cotton exports. Imposing a ban, Sharma had argued that textile mills had their lowest stocks in a decade and India had already exported 85 lakh bales, more than the estimated 84 lakh bales. But, it must not have been an easy decision to take as Sharma must encourage cotton exports, and as Textile Minister, he must also ensure domestic availability. There were few words after the meeting.
Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said, "There has been some discussion, further discussion needs to be held. When that discussion is complete, a decision will be taken."
Earlier, Agriculture Minister and NCP ally Sharad Pawar had shot off an indignant letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh alleging that he was kept in the dark about the decision to ban exports. Pawar asked for an urgent review of the ban. The sources say that by elections in some states means that the commerce ministry must meet the election commission before announcing any decision.
Textile Secretary Kiran Dhingra said, "DGFT circular is being looked at. The whole issue is open, it is being discussed."
Pawar found strong allies for his cause in BJP's Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress chief ministers from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh and also the Congress units of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Farmers in Maharashtra have also threatened to agitate if the ban is not lifted soon. While all remain tight lipped and the ban remains until a decision is announced, it is most likely to be lifted.
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